04/09/2026
: A Conversation We Can't Keep Avoiding
Racism in health and social care is not an easy subject to discuss. It can be uncomfortable, emotional, and deeply personal. Yet its impact on people's health, wellbeing, confidence, and experiences of care is undeniable.
Across Reading and Wokingham, individuals have shared experiences of feeling judged, dismissed, overlooked, or treated differently because of their ethnicity.
Others describe a lingering uncertainty, a feeling that something was not right but without the language, confidence, or opportunity to explore it further.
At Community United, we believe these stories deserve to be heard.
Why This Conversation Matters
Racism is more than an individual experience. It is a social determinant of health that can influence access to services, quality of care, health outcomes, and trust in healthcare systems.
When experiences of racism go unspoken, opportunities for learning and improvement are lost. Communities may feel unheard, while services miss the chance to better understand and address inequalities.
This event aims to create a safe and respectful space where people can come together to listen, learn, and reflect on the realities of racism within health and social care.
Understanding the Impact
The discussion will explore how racism can manifest across different areas of health and care, including:
GP practices
Hospitals
Mental health services
Social care services
Community-based support services
Participants will have the opportunity to better understand where experiences of racism are most frequently reported, why these patterns may occur, and the impact they have on trust, confidence, wellbeing, and access to care.
This is not about blame.
It is about honesty, understanding, and creating opportunities for positive change.
Moving from Awareness to Action
The event will be informed by the NHS Race & Health Observatory's Anti-Racism Framework, which encourages both organisations and individuals to consider their role in tackling racism and improving equity.
The framework invites community leaders, healthcare professionals, service providers, and residents to reflect on:
Individual and organisational accountability
Everyday bias and discrimination
Power dynamics within care settings
Missed opportunities to challenge racism
Practical actions that can improve experiences and outcomes
By focusing on accountability and learning, the conversation can move beyond awareness and towards meaningful action.
Share Your Experience Anonymously
We recognise that discussing racism can be difficult.
Service users, carers, community members, and professionals are invited to share their experiences anonymously. These stories are vital in helping us understand how racism is experienced, why it can be difficult to identify or report, and what changes are needed to create more inclusive and equitable services.
If you have ever found yourself asking:
"Was that racism?"
your voice matters.
Join the Conversation
This event offers an opportunity to learn from lived experience, reflect on the realities of racism in health and social care, and contribute to a more inclusive future.
It may not be an easy conversation, but it is an essential one.
Real change begins with listening.
Event Details
📅 Date: 1 October 2026
📍 Venue: University of Reading
Register Your Interest
To register your interest or find out more, please contact your local Healthwatch team:
Healthwatch Reading
📧 [email protected]
Healthwatch Wokingham
📧 [email protected]
Together, we can create space for honest conversations, stronger accountability, and a health and care system where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
