Together we can challenge racism for a fairer, stronger North East.

Become the Bridge aims to mobilise and empower organisations to take meaningful action within their systems and practices to challenge racism. We know that challenging racism can be difficult for organisations and may sometimes feel divisive. However, it is not only the right thing to do, but is also vital for the wellbeing of staff, customers and service users, and essential to achieve strategic goals. Racism undermines organisational effectiveness.

Become The Bridge focuses specifically on racism, as it is one of the most challenging and avoided areas within Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) work.

Become the Bridge is open to businesses, public sector bodies and voluntary organisations in the North East that share our aims.

To take part, organisations commit that:

We encourage organisations to be publicly identified as participants in Become the Bridge. Where there are concerns about this, please talk to us. 

The North East is built on connection. People look out for each other and pull together when it matters. It’s a place we’re proud to call home, and proud that others have chosen to make their home here too. There’s strength in knowing you belong, that people have your back and that everyone deserves to be treated with fairness and respect. 

Racism pushes people to the side when they should be feeling our famous welcome. Become the Bridge is about standing up for the kind of place we believe in, where no one is made to feel like an outsider, where we show our pride in our actions. Change doesn’t come from shouting or blaming, it comes from all of us choosing connection over division. When everyone feels at home here, we’re all stronger.