Safe Space for Race Education: Empowering BME Youth

About our work

The Continuum of Racial Trauma

A continuum of racial trauma is experienced throughout the lives of black and ethnic minority (BME) children and young people across the UK. Racial trauma refers to the psychological and physiological distress experienced as a result of racial bias, discrimination, or stress related to racial issues. This form of trauma can significantly impact an individual’s health, interpersonal connections, and feelings of security, particularly affecting BME young people as they navigate social mobility. Moreover, it has the potential to culminate in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Instances of racial trauma may arise from a singular event or as a result of enduring racism over an extended period. The UK Government's 'Inclusive Britain' strategy, along with criminal justice and health, recognises and aims to tackle race and ethnic disparities in education and work; it is these disparities that form the basis of our work.

Young People in Education

In 2020, there were over 60,000 reported incidents of racial discrimination in the UK's education system, contributing to significant racial trauma among affected individuals. Furthermore, despite the introduction of Apprenticeships as a pathway to employment for young people, accessibility rates have been disproportionately low for BME young people. Our employability programmes aim to address these disparities and promote social mobility while delivering interventions in alignment with the current Skills and Post 16 Education Act, Careers Strategy 2017/18, and Inclusive Britain Strategy 2022.

Early Careers

We offer support to organisations in increasing the levels of engagement and opportunities for BME young people from black and ethnic minority groups to participate in early career interventions. Systemic racism in schools has resulted in higher exclusion rates for black Caribbean children. Studies have shown that black Caribbean children are four times more likely to be placed in pupil referral units compared to the national pupil population (Equity in Education and Society, 2023). This overrepresentation is often linked to broader issues of systemic discrimination and the criminalisation of black youths (The Institute of Race Relations, 2020). The significant underrepresentation of BME young people in apprenticeships and lower employment rates for black graduates further highlight the urgent need for employers to develop and implement strategic interventions that address issues of unconscious bias in recruitment practices. Through our engagement work with employers, we aim to enable leaders to gain insights into anti-racist practices that create opportunities for young BME people, promote social mobility, and foster psychological safety, inclusion, and equity in the workplace.

Our Programmes

Three young adults studying outdoors with notebooks and laptops.

Young People at Risk of NEET

The Space for Race Transitions programme aims to support BME young people who are at risk of becoming NEET by assisting them in transitioning from education into employment. Delivered as an in-school and Pupil Referral Unit/alternative provision careers intervention, this programme takes a therapeutic approach to help young BME pupils address their experiences of racial trauma. It focuses on building their sense of identity and developing their emotional intelligence skills, which are essential for coping with future experiences of racism and enhancing their social mobility.

Business team in a meeting room with laptops and a confident leader.

Early Careers Interventions

Our In-work programs are focused on collaborating with business leaders to develop inclusive strategies that empower both leaders and managers to champion the development and implementation of inclusion within their organization. This initiative specifically addresses the underrepresentation of BME young people and aims to mitigate the effects of racial trauma, ultimately enhancing social mobility for these communities as they access early careers intervention.

Diverse business team stacking hands in a circle, symbolizing unity and teamwork.

Social Mobility

Our Social Mobility programmes involve working collaboratively with community organisations, Schools, and Further Education Institutes to develop 'strategies for racial equity' through the design of social mobility interventions aimed at BME young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. This includes efforts to engage parents and address the impacts of racial trauma, ultimately removing barriers to social mobility and promoting sustainable business practices.

Space for Race

Our Mission