SPACE FOR RACE

About our work

The Continuum of Racial Trauma

A continuum of racial trauma is experienced throughout the lives of black and ethnic minority individuals 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. 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; and 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. In addition, despite the introduction of Apprenticeships, being intended as an effective route to employment for young people; accessibility rates have been dispropotionately low for BME young people. Our employability programmes aim to address these disparities and deliver intervention 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 around increasing the levels of engagnement and opportunities for young Peoople from black and ethic minority groups to engage in early careers intervetions. Systemic racism in schools has led to higher levels of exclusions for black carribean children. Studies have revealed that black carribean children are four times more likely to be educated 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 the criminalisation of black youths. (The institute of Race Relations, 2020).

The significant underrepresentation of BME young people in apprenticeships and lower rates of employment for black graduates, further highlight the need for employers to develop and implement strategic interventions that address issues of unconscious bias in recruitment practices. Through our engagment work with employers, we aim to enable leaders to develop insights into anti-racist practices and approaches that create opportunities for young BME people in accessing Early careers interventions.; opportunities for social mobility; creating psychological safety, Inclusion and equity in the workplace.

Our Programmes

Young People, at Risk of NEET

The Space for Race Transitions programme aims to support BME young people that are at risk of NEET, transitioning from education into employment. Delivered as an in-school and Pupil referral unit/alternative provision careers intervention; the programme provides a therapeutic approach that enables young BME pupils to overcome their experiences of racial trauma, by building their sense of identity and developing their skills in emotional intelligence to inform coping strategies in dealing with the ubiquity of future experiences of racism.

Early Careers Interventions

Our In-work programs are focused on working with business leaders to develop inclusive strategies by positioning both leaders and managers to lead on the development and implementation of inclusion within their organisation and addressing the underrepresentation of black and ethnic minority young People accessing early careers intervention.

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 targeted at Individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds (including parent engagement) to remove barriers to social mobility and promoting sustainable business Practice.