Children's services
Walsall Council hosts inaugural anti-racism conference
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Walsall Council held its first anti-racism conference at the Town Hall on 1 May 2024.
The conference – attended by more than 150 people – was hosted by the council’s Children’s Services, Equality, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Racism Board and included talks, panel discussions, live poetry, and music performances.
The event was delivered alongside partners, such as Black Country Stand Up to Racism, UNISON, and local community group, Aaina Hub.
The council’s foster carers hosted a segment of the day, including carers sharing their experiences looking after children from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
A young person with care experience also shared his story of growing up in foster care, and how having carers with a similar heritage helped him understand his own identity.
As part of the conference, professionals from the council’s fostering service shared a programme of work they are developing to put anti-racism into practice, this included the launch of new hair care and identity kits for children and young people with curly, textured, or afro hair, training workshops around caring for Muslim and Sikh children, cooking demonstrations for cooking authentic dishes, and organised visits to places of worship.
Attendees were updated on the council’s training and services regarding anti-racism, and how the authority is embracing equality, diversity and inclusion for its workforce, communities, and residents.
“ I believe Walsall’s first anti-racism conference will be part of a sustainable and enduring legacy, which will get bigger and better each year. The atmosphere was so positive, and tickets for the event were completely sold out.
I was proud to be part of some of the positive strides Walsall Council is making in promoting and celebrating diversity and inclusivity, in order strengthen our community. “
“ It was good to see so many enthusiastic people there [at the event].
The speakers were excellent and thought-provoking. It was a great informative day, that other areas of the council could adopt in the future.
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More information about the council’s commitment to equality and diversity can be found on the council’s website: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/your-council/equality-and-diversity
More information about Fostering in Walsall can be found on the council’s website: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/fostering
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