Public Health Wales has shown their solidarity for the Black Lives Matter movement

Earlier today (June 24), Public Health Wales (PHW), took to social media to inform the public of their solidarity with the motion that has dominated headlines across the globe.

They posted: "We're committed to supporting black communities across Wales.

"We still have much to do to achieve health equity but we're working hard with organisations and communities to learn how we can do better."

Over the past few weeks, PHW has stated that after witnessing the outpour of support throughout the world for the movement, the legacy of systematic and institutional racism still continues to affect people in Wales today.

They also stated that they recognise that this is an issue that affects not only their members of staff and NHS workers across Wales, but also their services users whose reliance on them has increased at this most challenging of times.

Shamala Govindasamy, the BAME Network lead for Public Health Wales, said: "BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) people continue to fight every day against racism, and heal from the effects it has had on their lives.

"Great allies can support them, and help dismantle the ways in which our institutions and culture are deeply rooted in oppression.

"Being an ally doesn’t necessarily mean you fully understand what it feels like to be oppressed – it means you are taking on the struggle as your own."

Huw George, executive BAME ally, added: "It’s always been important to take a stand with our BAME friends, family and colleagues, and stand beside them in the fight against racism and inequality.

"And it’s as important now as it’s ever been - especially in light of the pandemic - to find safe and constructive ways to do this.

"As an organisation we are committed to diversity, inclusion and making sure that everyone feels welcome, and can be themselves without fear of discrimination.

"And whilst we have made clear commitments through our Equality Strategy, we still have work to do to turn our aspirations into reality."

Although the national public health agency strongly supports the Black Lives Matter movement, their public health advice is that people should stick to Welsh Government social distancing rules, and avoid mass gatherings of any kind.

A spokesperson for Public Health Wales, said: "We know that BAME groups are at greater risk from coronavirus, which has a disproportionate effect on BAME communities.

" We would advise people to support the Black Lives Matter movement via online protests, petitions, or by joining organisations online.

"To improve the experience for both staff and service users, and to promote and embed race equality and equity into our work, we have set out a clear guide to how we hope to achieve this as part of our strategic goal."