Have you ever experienced discrimination when out in public or at your workplace?
Worcester City Council has put together some key phrases that you can use to challenge prejudice in a calm and non-confrontational way.
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.
Worcester City Council’s Champion for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Councillor 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.
“You can download the posters directly from the Council’s website at www.worcester.gov.uk/speakup”
The posters are based on the feedback Worcester residents gave on the key themes of ‘challenging’ offensive behaviour; ‘empathy’ with other people’s characteristics; and ‘allyship’ to build a stronger community.
The launch of the Speak Up! Campaign coincides with National Hate Crime Awareness Week between 12 and 19 October.
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. Anybody interested should email
