MHFA England responds to Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities report



In July 2020, following the killing of George Floyd, MHFA England published a statement of intent to become an anti racist organisation.

The statement was developed in discussion with MHFA England staff and Instructor Members, and set out 15 clearly defined actions it would take, both as an employer and as a social enterprise focused on workplace mental health training.  

In setting out its actions, MHFA England was clear that there was an urgency to playing its part in dismantling systemic and institutional racism – an issue widely acknowledged as deeply harmful, and acutely felt by People of Colour and Black people living in the UK. 

In contrast, a government commissioned report released today challenged the very existence of such systemic and institutional racism in the UK, with the foreword, authored by Dr Tony Sewell stating; “We no longer see a Britain where the system is deliberately rigged against ethnic minorities”.

In response to this, and the findings in the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities report, Simon Blake, Chief Executive of MHFA England states:
 

“Today's news on the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities report has been beyond disappointing reading, no more so than for the many millions of People of Colour and Black people who have been deeply impacted by their own experiences of structural and institutional racism.  

"As the Chief Executive of an organisation resolutely committed to challenging racism in all its forms, I want to offer solidarity with everyone who has been hurt by racism in this country. 

"In the wake of this report we need to galvanise our action to eradicate racism, and have renewed determination, focus and courage to support the individuals and organisations who are leading the way on this issue.  

"This is evidence yet again that we must be talking about racism, sexism, and all inequalities and their impact on mental health in every single workplace up and down the country."  

Joining a number of other high profile business leaders who have also responded to the report’s findings, MHFA England’s Chair, Adah Parris added:
 

“I am truly saddened, frustrated and angered by Dr Tony Sewell’s ‘findings’ in his report for the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities.

"His comments in the press, interview on BBC Radio 4, and the media reporting only serve as a trigger that compounds the racial trauma experienced by Black and Indigenous People of Colour (BIPOC).

"This is a clear example of systemic racial gaslighting which is abhorrent, especially in this current climate of the aftermath of the global racial atrocities highlighted by the Black Lives Matter movement and compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"I am concerned for the impact that this will have on the mental health and wellbeing of BIPOC people in this country. Today is a sad day for both those who came before us, and those who are fighting the good fight now and will undoubtedly influence those who come after us.”

To mark the first anniversary of George Floyd's death in May, MHFA England will be publishing a progress report on its 15 actions, and what impact has been made over the past year to support the mental health of People of Colour and Black People.
To find out more about MHFA England commitment to anti racism please sign up to the supporter newsletter and download our anti-racism resources and guidance.