Speak up!

Over the last 12 months, Worcester City Council has spoken to local residents and community groups about their experience of discrimination in Worcester. As part of a campaign called Speak Up!, the Council has asked people what prejudices they have experienced in the city and explored some of the language that can be used to challenge offensive remarks in a calm and non-confrontational way.

The Council has put together some of the key phrases used by the public and incorporated them into a range of posters to equip more people with the language they can use to challenge offensive remarks.

The work comes from extensive consultation with individuals, faith groups and community organisations around the nine protected characterises listed below.

These are:

• Age
• Race
• Sex
• Religion or Belief
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage or civil partnership
• Pregnancy or Maternity
• Sexual Orientation

The consultation involved face to face meetings, online surveys, and social media feedback.

Worcester City Council’s Champion for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Councillor Robyn Norfolk, said:

“We wanted to know how people stand up for themselves or speak up about language that makes them uncomfortable, whether it is intended to or not. Or simply, how to ask those awkward questions without the risk of offending someone.

“We hope that these key phrases will help people Speak Up and challenge offensive remarks clearly, kindly, and confidently.”

As part of Hate Crime Awareness week in October, these posters will be displayed across various locations in the city. We encourage you to download your copy below and show your support

1. pdf Speak up poster 1 (388 KB)
2. pdf Speak up poster 2 (357 KB)
3. pdf Speak up poster 3 (591 KB)
4. pdf Speak up poster 4 (239 KB)
5. pdf Speak up poster 5 (1.63 MB)
6. pdf Speak up poster 6 (1.91 MB)
7. pdf Speak up poster 7 (1.90 MB)
8. pdf Speak up poster 8 (1.17 MB)
9. pdf Speak up poster 9 (2.28 MB)
10. pdf Speak up poster 10 (767 KB)

The posters are based on the feedback residents gave on the key themes of ‘challenging’ offensive behaviour; ‘empathy’ with other people’s characteristics; and ‘allyship’ to build a stronger community.

Thank you to everybody who shared their experiences and helped us to understand what is happening in Worcester.

As part of the project’s next step the Council would like to hear from any organisations interested in helping to develop a Speak Up! pledge or charter to tackle discrimination in the city. Anybody interested should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..