Statement following the US verdict of George Floyd's murder and UK Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities report

All too often, art therapists see the effect that racism and institutional racism have on the mental health of people of colour….

We hope that the verdict and sentencing of Derek Chauvin, for the horrific murder of George Floyd offers George Floyd’s family solace during this unimaginable and indescribable grieving time. Although this is not the end. This is a moment for us to hold on to and remember. We must continue to fight injustices and inequalities all around us. We stand in solidarity with all black lives, the many black lives lost, the trials unfairly lost and continue to be lost due to racism.

We will continue to communicate and state #blacklivesmatter until racism no longer exists. The recent Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities report provided a largely unrecognisable picture of racial injustice in the UK. All too often, art therapists see the effect that racism and institutional racism have on the mental health of people of colour.

As the professional body for art therapy in the UK, we will be looking at institutional racism within our profession and in the way we operate as an organisation. Like all professions, art therapy isn’t immune.