https://mailchi.mp/b059bc7377c3/covid-19v4-4480020?e=a31a4779d4
“At WCEN, we have been working alongside friends and partners to identify the inequalities that exist in our borough, and to work together to close these gaps. The evidence on institutional racism and discrimination remains shameful and shocking, and impacts black communities through every stage of their lives: ….children from African Caribbean communities are least likely to achieve key stage standards; BME communities are more likely to be excluded for our schools, and over represented in looked-after children services and on the vulnerable children registers; they are more likely to be stopped and searched by the Police….. BME communities are more likely to be in low-paid low-status employment, and least likely to achieve senior positions…..Throughout their lives, BME communities are over-represented in mental health services, and when in services more likely to be at the acute end of care are least likely to report good outcomes. They are at a greater risk throughout their lifetimes of contracting debilitating health conditions, and, as COVID-19 has exposed, more likely to die when impacted……
Whilst we welcome the signs of solidarity from our public institutions, who have a statutory responsibility to care and support all regardless of their race or background, words by themselves are not enough. If Black Lives Matter, then their words must be followed by direct investment and actions to reduce these inequalities and create the fair and just society for all.”
Over the lockdown period, WCEN has compiled a series of 30-40 minute podcast interviews with key local equality champions exploring their achievements and personal stories. They form a remarkable record. The most recent feature Darren Fernandes, Associate Director of Strategy and Transformation at the South West London Mental Health Trust at
https://www.mixcloud.com/wcen/wcen-podcast-episode-10-enable-communities-to-support-their-communitie-featuring-darren-fernandes/
and Dr Narinder Bansal, senior mental health researcher at Bristol University,
https://www.mixcloud.com/wcen/wcen-podcast-episode-9-the-complexity-of-ethnicity-featuring-dr-narinder-bansal/
To find out more, see http://wcen.co.uk/
Wandsworth Community Empowerment Network
Unit 44, DRCA
Charlotte Despard Avenue
Battersea
SW11 5HD
020 7720 9110
E-mail: info@wcen.org.uk
Twitter: @WCENLondon
Facebook: /WCENLondon
