Dear colleagues, staff, patients and carers,
It’s sad to have to be writing this letter. We are horrified by the terrible acts of violence, racism, discrimination and Islamophobia taking place across the UK.
There have been reports of people who are from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, including healthcare workers, being targeted directly, simply because of the way they look. There is no place in our society for prejudice, hate or abuse.
I’m acutely aware that many people will be frightened by what they have seen, for their own safety and for their loved ones and friends. All of this can take a toll on a person’s mental health. I am writing to offer our support to those who may need it.
We are proud of our diversity and our diverse workforce who bring so many rich perspectives to our profession. More than 45% of our membership in the UK, and 14% of our staff (employees, patient and carers), are from minoritised ethnic groups, this includes more than 7,200 International Medical Graduates. I want you all to know that we are united in our support for you, and your right to live and work in a safe and caring environment. We could not support our patients without you.
There will also be many patients worrying about the unfolding situation too. We know people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds are more likely to have negative mental health experiences, and that this is sometimes related to the discrimination they face. These riots are likely to worsen this problem.
While there are a number of long-term barriers to overcome before this issue can be resolved, I encourage everyone to seek help, and support others, if they need it.
No one should suffer in silence and various sources of support are available (details listed below).
The College has produced guidance for organisations to tackle racism in the workplace, we have also produced a large library of mental health information to help professionals, carers, and patients. These can be used by anyone, including College staff.
Your safety and security are of the utmost priority and our communities traumatised by these events will need our support. We encourage you to report any racism, abuse or violence you witness to the relevant authorities.
Please look after yourselves, your families, your patients and each other.
Lade
Staying safe
Take the right precautions, stay safe, and keep informed.
- Keep updated through reliable news sources.
- Remain vigilant, particularly when traveling to and from work.
- Keep your mobile phones charged and accessible.
- Stay clear of confrontations between protestors, counter-protestors, and law enforcement authorities.
- If you work or live near a protest epicentre, ensure your premises are secure.
- Avoid unnecessary travel to, from, and within areas that are affected.
- Call 999 if you need urgent help.
- Report any incidents of abuse or violence to the appropriate authorities immediately.
RCPsych support services
For members and affiliates in the UK - our Psychiatrists' Support Service (PSS) provides confidential free, rapid, high-quality peer support by telephone to psychiatrists of all grades. Contact them directly on 020 8618 4020 or email pss@rcpsych.ac.uk.
For RCPsych staff - details of our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) can be found on COLIN, this includes full end-to-end mental health support for all our employees via a 24/7 helpline on 0330 333 5105.
For patients and carers - our Employee Assistance Programme (EAPs) for our patient and carer partners - ‘Be Well’ from Legal & General – offers free day-to-day wellbeing support and access to an expert counselling service to help you and your immediate family at any time. Contact them directly on UK Freephone: 0800 316 9337 / WhatsApp and SMS: Text 'hi' 07418 360 046.
Diaspora sources for support
There are many local charities, faith and diaspora groups that will also be a source for support. Details of our own relevant groups can be found below:
Mental health information
We have created a page that includes relevant mental health resources for anyone affected by the ongoing events.