Race Equality Foundation

06/06/2026

The Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities programme recognises community participation as a key aspect of family wellbeing.

Following the recent local elections, our latest blog by our Head of Training and Curriculum for SFSC, Bernadette Rhoden, explores the connections between parenting, community voice, and political participation.

In particular, this blog delves into the 'Political Rite of Passage' – a topic in the SFSC programme that encourages participants to reflect on participation, leadership, advocacy, and how individuals can contribute to collective wellbeing.

Read the full blog on our website: https://raceequalityfoundation.org.uk/news/local-elections-community-voice-and-the-political-rite-of-passage/

29/05/2026

No one should have to choose between getting well or getting paid.

Many people in Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities are working in low-paid or insecure jobs, where taking time off sick can feel impossible.

Our research shows workers in these communities are more likely to experience weaker workplace protections. This has a knock on effect, deepening inequality by impacting health, wellbeing, and financial security.

But there have been important changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in 2026. Here’s what you need to know:

✅ SSP now starts from day one
✅ Workers no longer need to earn above a minimum threshold
✅ More people qualify than before

These new rules make the workplace fairer for all on paper - but the first step to ensuring equality in practice, is for everyone to know their rights and what to ask for.

Swipe to learn more. 👉

Find out more on our website via the Too Poor to Be Sick campaign page: https://raceequalityfoundation.org.uk/health-care/toopoortobesick/

20/05/2026

Last weekend's far-right protest in London's streets left many across the UK feeling afraid, anxious, and deeply uncertain about their safety.

Seeing explicit racism and Islamophobia in the public sphere is not only harmful in itself, but exacerbated by the institutional silence that follows. When political leaders and the mainstream media refuse to call it what it is, it sends a message to Black, Asian, and minoritised ethnic communities, particularly British Muslims, that their safety is not a priority.

Silence is not neutral. It bridges the gap between hateful words and real-world violence.

The solutions to break this pattern of racist hostility already exist. After the 2024 racist riots, we sat down with partners and laid out the policy action needed:

➡️ Officially adopt and monitor a robust definition of Islamophobia to stop unchecked public anti-Muslim bigotry.
➡️ Implement a public health approach to violence prevention, addressing the root causes of radicalisation and deprivation.
➡️Put affected communities at the centre of designing anti-racist initiatives and preventative strategies.

The path forward exists. What's needed is the political will to make systemic change. We must refuse to let this hostility be normalised.

If you want to read more about our thoughts on how to meet and respond to this moment, our latest latest piece, 'From the streets to policy action', is live on our website: https://raceequalityfoundation.org.uk/news/from-the-streets-to-policy-action/

15/05/2026

The Race Equality Foundation is proud to co-sign a joint letter led by Include Me Too, Black SEN Mamas, and South Asian SEN Mamas, urging the government to extend the SEND Reform consultation deadline (currently 18 May 2026).

Too many families - especially Black, Asian and other racialised Disabled children and their families - are being shut out of this process due to barriers such as:

🟢 Complex and lengthy consultation documents
🟢 Limited accessibility and translation support
🟢 Digital exclusion and lack of outreach
🟢Insufficient time for meaningful engagement

Without an extension, those most affected risk being underrepresented in decisions that will shape SEND support.

We believe consultation must be inclusive, accessible, and equitable - not just in principle, but in practice.

✍️ We’re calling for more time so communities can:

🟢 Understand the proposals
🟢 Share their lived experiences
🟢 Shape the reform of SEND support

Read the full letter here: https://raceequalityfoundation.org.uk/blog/call-to-extend-send-reform-consultation/

The Race Equality Foundation has co-signed a joint letter calling for an extension to the SEND Reform consultation, currently due to close on 18 May 2026. Alongside Include Me Too, Black SEN Mamas, South Asian SEN Mamas and other partners, we are raising concerns that the current timeframe does not....

11/05/2026

Racial equality and disability justice are inseparable. That's why we are proud to support Making it Matter: a project by The Challenging Behaviour Foundation which places people with severe or profound learning disabilities at its centre.

Find out more about the project in the post below ⬇️

The CBF is pleased to announce Making it Matter, building on two areas of work which have been shown to make a difference to individuals and families

08/05/2026

Flexibility is not just a perk – it’s a vital workplace protection.

Adizat was denied flexible working arrangements during and after her pregnancy, despite experiencing ongoing ill-health.

She was willing and able to work, and her role could be performed remotely. However, when she requested to work from home, the answer was no. For her white colleague, the answer was yes.

This had serious consequences: exhaustion, the risk of hospital admission, and forcing her to ask herself, “[Should] I suffer in pain?”.

Work should never undermine your health. For many, flexibility and reasonable adjustments can mean the difference between staying in work or being pushed out all together.

Listen to Adizat's story and share.

07/05/2026

“If I just had a little bit longer to do things, I would have felt a lot more comfortable at work.”

When Shilpa returned to work after a period of sickness, her conditions were ignored and she was met with a lack of support.

Instead of a phased return which showed understanding for her condition, she was thrown back in at the deep end.

The lack of support led to her health worsening.

Ill health doesn’t just remove people from work - it is shaped by work.

Listen to her story in the video and share.

06/05/2026

Tomorrow, voters across the UK are expected to cast their votes to elect councillors to their local authorities – but many people still risk being excluded from this democratic process.

Many eligible voters from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds face barriers to democratic participation. Voter ID requirements are one such barrier, with people from these communities more than twice as likely to be prevented from voting due to a lack of acceptable identification.

If you’re planning to vote, you must bring an accepted form of photo ID to your polling station. This includes a passport, driving licence, or a free Voter Authority Certificate. Without the correct ID, you won’t be able to vote.

Local elections shape the services that affect our everyday lives, from housing to community safety. Please check that you have the right voter ID and are ready to vote tomorrow, and share this information with your networks.

https://bit.ly/3Pbz0jA

1 like. "What ID do I need to bring at the polling station? - Voting in the UK"

01/05/2026

Today marks the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025: a major shift for the private rented sector and a critical step towards tackling racial inequality in housing.

Our latest article explores how several of the Act’s key measures - ending section 21 ‘no‑fault’ evictions, banning ‘No DSS’ and ‘No Children’ discrimination, and extending Awaab’s Law - could better protect Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities, who are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity and poor conditions.

Read the full piece here: https://raceequalityfoundation.org.uk/news/renters-rights-act-2025-how-will-it-protect-our-communities/

29/04/2026

Call for Participation: Community Voices in Greater Manchester

We are inviting people from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities in Greater Manchester to take part in an upcoming Community Voices workshop. This relaxed, in-person group conversation will be a space where you can share your experiences of issues such as the cost of living, housing, health, and the environment, and have the opportunity to shape local policy and projects.

Over the past three months, more than 20 local organisations have worked together to develop a set of ideas for improving outcomes in Greater Manchester. This workshop is an opportunity to respond to those ideas, and make sure community voices guide the next stage of this work.

We are looking for individuals who are:
- from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities
- living in Greater Manchester
- willing to share their views and experiences

Workshop details:
📅 Tuesday 12 May 2026
📍 In-person, Manchester
⏱ 3 hours
💷 £75 voucher provided for your time

To sign up, please complete this form before 2pm Friday 8 May: https://forms.office.com/e/TKZfdFv4hZ

📧 If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Lee Lockhart at [email protected].