A POSTER campaign aims to help tackle discrimination in Worcester.
Some key phrases that can be used to challenge prejudice in a calm and non-confrontational way have been put together by Worcester City Council.
Phrases like – ‘are you aware that’s not acceptable language to use?’ and ‘how would you feel if you heard that?’ – can make people think about their use of words without being confrontational.
The key phrases have been incorporated into posters to equip more people with the language they can use to challenge prejudice.
These can be downloaded online at www.worcester.gov.uk/speakup
The posters will also be on display at buildings across the city, including the Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum, the Guildhall and the Hive.
This comes following work by the City Council to find out what prejudices people have experienced in Worcester – as part of an extensive consultation with the public in their Speak Up! campaign.
City Council equality champion Coun Robyn Norfolk, said: “Our objective was to find out how people in Worcester, in a non-threatening way, tackle uncomfortable situations or offensive remarks made towards them.
“We wanted to know how people stand up for themselves or speak up about language that makes them uncomfortable, whether it is intended or not. Or simply, how to ask those awkward questions without the risk of offending someone.
“Over the last 12 months we have spoken to local residents and community groups about their experiences of discrimination around the nine protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010.
“Age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
“Thank you to everybody who shared their experiences and helped us to understand what is happening in Worcester.
“We hope that these key phrases will help people Speak Up and challenge offensive remarks clearly, kindly, and confidently.”
