Interview Spotlight- Clare Skidmore Race Equality First (REF)
Clare Skidmore answers our Community Spotlight questions around Race Equality First, and the amazing work they do tackling discrimination and promoting and campaigning for race equality. Read on to find out about the vast amount of work and support they offer and how we can support and promote their services.
Tell us about Race Equality First and the history?
Race Equality First (REF) has over 40 years of experience as the recognised lead body in South Wales for tackling discrimination and hate crime and promoting the message that Race Equality is a human right.
We are experts in the field of race equality and advise the United Nations and the UK Government. REF is now the only Race Equality Council in Wales with the specific remit to address racial equality and we are one of the four remaining Race Equality Councils in the UK. REFS vision is to live in a society where all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race or any other personal characteristic they may possess. Our mission is to provide support, advice, leadership, and an influential voice for people who face discrimination, harassment, hate crime and disadvantage.
What projects and services do you offer in Wales?
We have several projects and services that we offer including:
Discrimination Casework - assisting individuals who have suffered discrimination due to any protected characteristics they may possess within the Equality Act 2010.
Advocacy for Victims of Hate Crime - REF provides support, advice, advocacy and representation to achieve justice to anyone who has been a victim, or a witness, of a hate incident or hate crime.
General Advocacy for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities – with a specific focus on access to healthcare services discussing, assisting and educating on topics such as care and support needs, how to make a complaint, equipment to live independently at home, home maintenance & repairs, health awareness, and improvements in local services.
Policy Development, Campaigning and Lobbying - Race Equality First works with organisations, agencies, and employers from the public, private and third sector to drive forward policies, procedures and practices that are inclusive, compliant and equality-focused.
Research – currently researching into the criminal justice gap within the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
Training – offering a wide-range of training to organisations across all sectors exploring topics such as bias, prejudice, cultural awareness, discrimination, hate crime, positive action and steps to promote anti-racism and equality
Support Groups and Sessions – to engage people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities
How have you adapted your services during Covid?
Covid has certainly raised a real challenge for our organisation to reach out to and engage minority communities. We have stayed connected with our beneficiaries via Whatsapp support groups, whilst activities have stopped. Our Hate Crime and Discrimination service has continued as normal and we have received an increased number of incidents that we have offered our services and support to. We have been running our training sessions online virtually and have also been engaging with communities and groups via online outreach sessions and virtual drop-in Advocafé’s.
What can community organisations do to support Race Equality First?
Community organisations can share our resources and information about our services, to try and encourage anyone who has been affected by Hate Crime or Discrimination to reach out and access our support. We create referral pathways with other organisations and like to work collaboratively to reach out and engage people from minority communities to access our services.
Why do you work for Race Equality First?
I have worked in equality for nearly 10 years now and have a real passion for supporting people in obtaining justice. I like to help people have a voice and offer support and encouragement to speak out. It frustrates me when people are treated unfairly. I also find it an incredibly interesting, varied and rewarding role and I am surrounded by a diverse, passionate, dedicated, and hardworking team who inspire me every day. I absolutely love it!
What does 2021 have install for Race Equality First?
We are already quarter of the way into 2021, which just seems so unbelievable! REF would really like to continue raising its presence across Wales, as up to summer 2020 we only operated in the Cardiff and South Wales region. We want to try and encourage more people to report Hate Crime and Discrimination, and engage with more minority communities, and support services, identifying gaps and working collaboratively with others to make Wales a more inclusive and supportive place to live.
How can people find you on social media or online?
Twitter: @REFCardiffVG
Web: www.raceequalityfirst.org
Instagram: @raceequalityfirst
Facebook: Race Equality First
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