A NEW anti-racism movement is now up-and-running across the region – and more organisations are being urged to get involved.

Around 500 signatories have so far given their backing to the campaign – including NHS trusts, councils, West Yorkshire Police, Keighley-based Healthwatch, housing associations and sports clubs such as Keighley Cougars.

Behind the Root Out Racism initiative are West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership and West Yorkshire’s violence reduction unit.

Aim of the venture is to tackle racism across all areas of society, whilst also addressing health and social inequalities in the region.

The movement was a recommendation from a West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership review published last autumn into the impact of Covid-19 on health inequalities.

Staff and members of the community will put their faces to visuals that will be seen at a range of locations, from sports clubs to hospital grounds.

Imagery will also be displayed on buses and across social media platforms, with the hashtag #WYHRootOutRacism.

The campaign has been developed using insight gained from people’s own experiences of racism – and real-life stories will be highlighted.

A Bradford district and Craven launch of the venture was held in Centenary Square.

During the event people signed a pledge, plants and seeds were exchanged in a message of solidarity, an interactive arts workshop was staged and entertainment provided.

There was also a range of information stalls promoting groups and projects that are already working to tackle racism and build bridges across communities.

Bradford Council leader, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, said: “We are committed to tackling racist behaviours head-on and showing that there is no room for racism in our district.

“We are backing the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership anti-racism movement and I would urge everyone to get involved and support this. By working together we can root out racism. Every one of us has a responsibility to challenge it, whenever we see it.

“In Bradford district we are known for our rich diversity, this diversity is our strength. We achieve more in the district when we are united by shared values, common goals and collective pride.”

Brendan Brown, chief executive of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust and joint chair of the Health and Social Care Economic Partnership, said: “Bradford district and Craven is a place that is proud of the incredible diversity which really does bring a richness to our communities.

“Yet we know from the evidence we have seen that we must do more to create a fair and just society and that starts with us going beyond tackling discrimination and actually being actively anti-racist in everything we do.

“We must also draw upon the great work that has gone on. This movement gives an opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved and recognise where we must do better.”

Bradford district police commander, Chief Superintendent Daniel Greenwood, said: “Listening to and hearing the experiences of our communities is essential if we are to create and nurture thriving neighbourhoods.

“Our support for this anti-racism movement signals that we are committed to building on the work we have done with communities and recognises there’s more still to do.”

Further information about the movement and details of the range of resources available can be found at wyhpartnership.co.uk/rootoutracism.