Anti-racist stance against riots across the UK

Anti-racist stance against riots across the UK

The Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK) are appalled at the violent public disorder in recent days. With the recent media coverage it highlights the experiences of some of the racist behaviours and actions our colleagues and communities face on a daily basis.

With pharmacy as one of the most accessible areas of healthcare, the pharmacy workforce deserve peace and safety, not fear and harm. As the professional leadership body for pharmacy technicians we advocate for inclusive pharmacy practice and as registered professionals we must uphold these values at all times. APTUK urge all members to prioritise individual safety and the safety of those around you and seek immediate help from emergency services as necessary.

For those who have faced racist and targeted behaviours or for those who would like more information to support others, the following resources may be of use:

• Home - Stop Hate UK
• Mind - Racism and mental health
• True Vision - Report it
• Pharmacist Support have a range of services to support pharmacy professionals who may be affected by current events, including Listening Friends, counselling & employment advice for individuals who are not members of a trade union.
• Community Pharmacy England has provided links to relevant resources, including on managing temporary pharmacy closures where necessary, on its website.
• The GPhC regulatory standards and guidance are there to help safeguard pharmacy staff, as well as patients and members of the public.

We stand with colleagues at the General Pharmaceutical Council, National Pharmacy Association, Royal Pharmaceutical Society and the Pharmacist Defence Association in our anti-racist stance against riots across the UK and have provided a joint statement here: 

“We are shocked and saddened by the violent public disorder events in recent days. We acknowledge how all sectors of the pharmacy profession may be impacted and recognise the challenges that this level of overt aggression can have on people’s ability or willingness to live their daily lives. The pharmacy workforce deserve peace and safety, not fear and harm. We stand united in having a zero tolerance of racism towards our colleagues or the public in whatever form it takes. ”

Although organisations may have differing perspectives and priorities, there are clear moments of alignment and unity too - and racist, intimidatory and inflammatory behaviours (such as islamophobia) cannot and will not be tolerated.

To ensure actions reflect words, we have looked to our upcoming events to support the safety of all. We have reviewed our South Asian Heritage Month event co-hosted with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, British Pharmaceutical Student Association, Female Pharmacy Leaders Network, Pharmacy Technicians of Colour and Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists. There is now the option to join this event virtually to access the speaker sessions via Zoom 6-7pm on the 8th August 2024, whilst there will be no virtual networking opportunities I hope this provides some reassurance during this time.

You may register using the link below:

South Asian Heritage Month – Free to be Me - New Registration (rpharms.com)

Please all continue to keep yourselves and others around you safe during this period of national unrest and rioting.

Nicola Stockmann MAPharmT on behalf of the Executive Committee
President | Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK