AN anti-racism movement launched in the district last year is in the running for a prestigious accolade.

The Root Out Racism campaign has been shortlisted for a coveted Health Service Journal award.

Spearheaded by West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership and West Yorkshire’s violence reduction unit, the regional initiative is supported by over 550 organisations and 'community champions'.

Backers include Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford Council and Keighley Cougars.

The aim of the venture – which is shortlisted in the Communications Initiative of the Year category – is to tackle racism across all areas of society, whilst also addressing health and social inequalities in the region.

Imagery is being displayed on buses and across social media platforms, with the hashtag #WYHRootOutRacism.

A district launch took place in Bradford's Centenary Square a year ago.

West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership said it was "delighted" the scheme had been recognised.

A spokesperson added: "A partnership review in 2020 identified the need for an anti-racism movement.

"We serve one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the UK, with 20 per cent of people from minority ethnic communities.

"The Root Out Racism movement was co-created with a project group of 42 colleagues and over 100 other staff involved in focus groups, the majority of whom have an experience of racism. The movement now has more than 550 organisations and community champions on board."

The partnership has also been shortlisted in the Integrated Care System section of the awards – a category it won last year.

Now in their 42nd year, the Health Service Journal Awards spotlight the achievements of individuals and teams across the healthcare sector.

Of the 25 categories this year, three are new – Covid Vaccination Programme, Reducing Healthcare Inequalities and Performance Recovery Award.

Total entries exceeded 1,000.

Health Service Journal editor, Alastair McLellan, congratulated the partnership on reaching the finals.

He added: "All the awards entries represent the very best of the NHS and leave our esteemed panel of judges with an impossible choice!

"Yearly the number of entrants continues to rise.

"We’re very much looking forward to welcoming our finalists to the awards ceremony – celebrating their impressive achievements and jointly acknowledging our values of sharing best practice, improving patient outcomes and driving for better service."

Winners will be announced at the ceremony, which takes place at the Battersea Evolution Centre, London, on November 17.