More than 500 community groups and organisations have joined forces to tackle racism – and the movement was kicked off at Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium.

West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership and the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit launched the ‘Root out Racism’ movement.

The movement which aims to encourage people to better inform themselves on anti-racist behaviours and practices, whilst linking to training and people’s life stories.

Kirklees-based supporters include Kirklees Council, Kirklees CCG, Huddersfield Town Foundation, the University of Huddersfield, The Kirkwood, Kirklees Visual Impairment Network, Huddersfield New College and Conscious Youth.

Clr Shabir Pandor, leader of Kirklees Council and movement ambassador, said: “Rooting out racism is incredibly important for Kirklees. I’m delighted that nearly 500 organisations and community allies including the West Yorkshire Mayor and Deputy Mayor are getting behind our movement to root out racism.

“We really are stronger together and only by working side by side with colleagues and communities locally and across West Yorkshire and Harrogate can we proactively change society for the better for everyone.”

READ MORE: Kirklees to welcome people fleeing Afghanistan – and this is how YOU can help

The movement has been developed using people’s experiences of racism. Over 100 ethnic minority colleagues from across the partnership have come forward to share their experiences of racism and help their colleagues and other organisations to take action.

The movement is part of an ongoing commitment to tackling structural and institutionalised racism, as well as addressing health and social inequalities across West Yorkshire and Harrogate.

You can register to join the movement at WY&H HCP anti-racism movement toolkit