Equality, Inclusion & Diversity.

OTR believes in equality, inclusion, and the value of diversity. In every way, we believe the importance of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities. And we absolutely believe Black Lives Matter.

This week at OTR we took time to reflect as staff and acknowledge what happened to George Floyd, and the Black Lives Matter movement. As an organization with equality and inclusion as core values, we’ve shown our support on social media, and also reminded ourselves that this will impact us all in different ways. We will continue to reflect and consider how we can be better, more inclusive, and more diverse. We will also continue to be here for young people to have a safe place to be themselves and be heard.

OTR works with some brilliant partners in Black Families Education Support Group and SARI – we’re in the process of finalising a summary report from a project we delivered together last year called “Banter or Bullying”. Alongside an event with over 50 young people from across BANES, engaging lots of schools and The University of Bath.  We carried out a survey with over 1700 young people from Bath & North East Somerset hearing their experiences of discrimination and hate crime. We will soon be sharing the findings – helping us to better understand the needs of young people. Look out for more on this soon.