Essex County Council's child psychologists and mental health coordinators have prepared some support for carers. Here, they discuss the importance of speaking about issues of discrimination, and managing the emotional and practical implications of racism and misinformation.
Their aim is to help you become comfortable talking about these topics so you can have important discussions with the children and young people in your care.
What's on this page?
Each resource has a YouTube video, created by an expert from our team. Watch the resources to join our psychologists and mental health coordinators as they tackle race, disability and "otherness".
Click the links below to skip to the help you're looking for.
Why Black Lives Matter: Part II
Why Black Lives Matter: Part I
Race, Stigma and Mental Health
Embracing diversity as a foster carer
Why Black Lives Matter: Part II
With Sharon Akinkunmi, Melanie Noel and Alexandra Peers
In the second video in our Black Lives Matter series, Sharon, Melanie and Alex look at ways to have an open discussion about race and racism. They use the concept of fairness for younger children and explain historical and current issues to older children. They also look to help you celebrate who you are, no matter your race.
Why Black Lives Matter: Part I
With Sharon Akinkunmi, Melanie Noel and Alexandra Peers
In the first video of our Black Lives Matter series, Sharon, Melanie and Alex discuss the very important, and sometimes sensitive topic, of Black Lives Matter.
They talk about:
- why black lives matter
- what this really means
- the impacts of racism and discrimination
- why need to talk openly about this topic
- how you can do this with your children and young people.
Race, stigma and mental health
With Matthew Slavin, Principal Clinical Psychologist, and Esther Makath
Matthew and Esther explore research on the impact of race and stigma on mental health and wellbeing.
Embracing diversity as a foster carer
With Matthew Slavin, Principal Clinical Psychologist, and Esther Makath
Matthew and Esther explore what you as a foster carer can do to support the young people in your care. They consider the important role that every carer plays in supporting the wellbeing of our young people, particularly those with experiences of discrimination, stigma and racism.
Everyone is different
With Suzanne Joslin and Mark Prestney, Mental Health Coordinators
Suzanne and Mark share their thoughts around the importance of considering difference, and some of the benefits and challenges that this can often present. They look at ‘unconscious biases’ that we all have, and attempt to explore both what this can mean and the impact of such biases on others.