Our commitment to Anti-Racism: Why it matters for our work and community
At Your Place, we are committed to not just tackling homelessness but also creating a society where everyone feels valued, respected and included. We recognise that racial inequity is deeply intertwined with homelessness, and addressing one means tackling the other.
As part of this commitment, we’ve introduced our Anti-Racism Guidance, which guides how we work, support and engage with those we serve, ensuring that we are actively dismantling racism at all levels – individual, institutional and systemic.
Why is anti-racism crucial for us?
Homelessness doesn’t affect all communities equally, and we recognise that racial inequity plays a significant role in who is most at risk of homelessness. Structural racism affects how people access housing and support services, often leading to racialised minorities facing the most significant challenges. Our borough of Newham is one of the UK’s most diverse, and we are committed to addressing these challenges head-on by embedding anti-racism in everything we do.
But it’s not just about housing need. We must actively work to create an environment where everyone has equal access, opportunity and voice. We’re committed to ensuring that our residents, team members and communities are supported in a way that fosters fairness, safety and respect.
"Words matter, but actions matter more. Taking a meaningful stance against racism means being clear, proactive and accountable. This guidance is a step forward in doing exactly that, helping us turn our values into real behaviour change."
-Lucy Inkster, Director of People
The impact of our Anti-Racism Guidance
Our Anti-Racism Guidance is a commitment to creating real, meaningful change both within our organisation and wider community. While these principles guide our internal operations, they are designed to have a tangible impact on the community we are part of. By upholding these values, we aim to create lasting, positive outcomes for everyone involved.
The full guidance covers key areas, including:
- Creating Inclusive Spaces: We aim to ensure that all our services and are accessible, welcoming and free from discrimination. This means consistently reviewing and adapting our practices to ensure that we are meeting the diverse needs of everyone. Inclusion is about more than physical space; it’s about creating an atmosphere where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive.
- Promoting Fair Practices: A core part of our anti-racism work is addressing and dismantling biases embedded in policies and practices. This includes reviewing our recruitment processes, service delivery and organisational culture to ensure they are fair and equitable. By actively promoting fairness in these areas, we aim to prevent discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for all – especially those from marginalised racial and ethnic backgrounds.
- Continuous Learning and Growth: Anti-racism is an ongoing journey, and we are dedicated to continuous learning. Our guidance encourages open dialogue, reflection, and education, ensuring that we evolve our practices to better serve our residents, team members and community. This commitment means that we are always looking for ways to improve our approach to racism, learning from both our successes and areas where we can do better. It’s about making anti-racism a lived practice that informs everything we do.
By sharing our commitment to anti-racism, supporting our work and standing with us, you are contributing to a more just world.
