Naming racism as safeguarding issue ‘critical’ to protecting young black lives, report says

Naming racism as a safeguarding issue is “critical” to protecting the lives of young black people, a new report has said.

Published on Tuesday by  Peckham-based youth charity Power the Fight, Protecting Young Black Lives, Celebrating Black Professionals, urges the Department for Education to coordinate a cross-Government strategy to address the impact of racism on young black people.

The publication marks two years of work between the charity, based in in Rye Lane, and Durham University’s Contextual Safeguarding Programme, and follows a conference of the same name that took place in Cumberland Lodge, Windsor, in October 2023. 

The event brought together 50 black professionals from a range of disciplines across violence reduction sectors.

The event, and the report it produced, focused on two key issues – those that currently compromise the safety of black young people, and the contributions made by black professionals who are committed to keeping them safe.

Six key recommendations are proposed for policymakers, including naming racism as a safeguarding issue, valuing black professionals’ contributions and creating safe and inclusive services.

Trauma-informed service delivery to ensure potential harm to young people is effectively considered, addressing resource disparities and encouraging collective action are also cited in the recommendations.

Ben Lindsay, chief executive of Power the Fight, said: “For too long there has been a lack of understanding of the impact and issues that currently compromise the safety of black young people, and the contributions made by black professionals who are committed to keeping them safe. 

“This vitally important report aims to shine a light and explore what’s necessary in changing decades of racism, neglect, misunderstandings, discrimination, and prejudice, that puts black lives at risk.”

Launched in 2019, Power the Fight tackles violence affecting young people. The charity supports families, schools, local authorities, faith groups and community organisations by training and resourcing communities so they are equipped to tackle violence.

Pictured top: The conference in Cumberland Lodge, Windsor, in October 2023 (Picture: Power the Fight)