New podcast series – Talking racism and mental health in schools

18th January 2022  |  By: Michelle Cunliffe

Today, the Anna Freud Centre has released a new podcast series, Talking racism and mental health in schools. In the series, experts in mental health, education and anti-racism explore topics including representation, culture and community, breaking them down into simple advice and practical steps for schools.

In each podcast, Cyra Neave, Senior Clinician at the Anna Freud Centre, interviews experts about racism and mental health in schools. Guests include former teacher, campaigner, author and speaker, the Honourable Stuart Lawrence, and Eve Doran, researcher at Black Learning Achievement and Mental Health (BLAM). The podcasts also feature the voices and experiences of teachers.

Topics in the series include: an introduction to racism and mental health in schools; involving the whole school community; the impact of racism on self-esteem; why representation matters; and Black British culture and language in schools.

The Anna Freud Centre is creating a set of resources to help school staff to understand the mental health impact of racism on children and young people, and learn more about what they can do to tackle it. The Centre will be releasing more resources in Spring 2022.

Jaime Smith, Director of the Anna Freud Centre’s Schools’ Division, says: “We’re really excited to share this podcast series focusing on racism and its impact on mental health, which we have produced in collaboration with the Honourable Stuart Lawrence, Black Learning Achievement and Mental Health (BLAM), teachers and school leaders, and clinicians from the Anna Freud Centre.

“Experiencing racism is a mental health issue. Racism has a detrimental impact on the lives of Black and racially minoritised children and young people, and when experienced it affects both their mental health and potential to thrive.  This podcast series is the first in a suite of resources and e-learning modules we are developing to support school staff to understand the mental health impact of racism on children and young people. The podcast topics were chosen based on consultations with young people, education professionals and other experts. The podcasts share practical advice and best practice examples to support all education staff to create a whole school community which is anti-racist.”

The Honourable Stuart Lawrence says: "I am happy to be working with the Anna Freud Centre, alongside Inclusive Exchange, to bring you this series of podcasts. The podcasts will help professionals in children and young people’s learning settings to gain a better understanding of topics that have been brought to the forefront of anti-racism work in light of Black Lives Matter. The importance and relevance of these topics have been overlooked over the last 15 years while I’ve been working in education. These podcasts can provide a source of learning during our busy lives and routines. It is a great way to gain insight and knowledge through bitesize sessions to understand these topics."

Listen to our podcast series, Talking racism and mental health in schools, discuss these issues in your school, and support staff to create a whole school community which is anti-racist. For more support, please visit Mentally Healthy Schools for resources and register on 5 Steps for tools to embed anti-racism into a whole school approach.