An emergency service headquaters has been highlighted in red to show their support for anti-racism.
For the run up to 'wear red day', which is on October 21, the North East Ambulance Service was joined by local celebrities and anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card to turn its Newcastle headquarters red in support of stopping racism in every day life.
Show Racism the Red Card is an anti-racism educational charity aiming to combat racism through enabling role models, who are predominately but not exclusively footballers, to present an anti-racist message to young people and others.
To show support to 'stamp out racism' Sunderland football legend, Kevin Ball, star of Emmerdale, Billy Elliot, and Byker Grove Charlie Hardwick, and Newcastle United Women’s Team’s Charlotte Potts were among the famous faces joining Ged Grebby, founder and CEO of Show Racism the Red Card, and North East Ambulance Service CEO Helen Ray.
Chief executive of North East Ambulance Service, Helen Ray, said, “As a regional NHS provider and a large employer in the region, it is important that patients know that they will be treated appropriately by our colleagues, and that they will be free from discrimination and hate.
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"We want patients to feel safe, be aware of our commitment to being an anti-racist organisation and encourage people from all backgrounds to access our services.
“It’s also important that colleagues in our workplace see our visible commitment to tackle all forms of discrimination, harassment and hate in the workplace.
"We need to be clear about the standards of behaviour we expect and communicate them.
"We want this to continue, if people are able to come to work and be their authentic self, they are happier, more productive and we can retain more people in our workplace.
“We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness and difference is valued, and we support and celebrate the diverse voices of our employees.
Ged Grebby, founder & CEO Show Racism the Red Card explains: “Show Racism the Red Card organised its first ever “Wear Red Day” 8 years ago when due to UK Government cuts we were forced to appeal to the public to keep our anti-racism education work going.
"This year’s WRD is a massive show of strength for the work we do and we are proud to have the public supporting our antiracism message."
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