Racism and social work (TW: reflections on narratives involving murderer Letby)

TW: Racism, death of children.In this episode I talk about the convicted murderer, Lucy Letby. A nurse who murdered children whilst in her role in a hospital. Lucy Letby is a white woman and although concerns were raised by consultants, they were not taken seriously by hospital staff and in this episode I talk about the institutional racism that contributed to harm caused. I am reflecting on my own racism and anti-racist learning, which is automatically problematic as a white woman and there some timestamps below to help you navigate listening as I am aware the contents of this podcast will trigger racial trauma and that is not my intention. If you would like to discuss or reflect on this episode please get in touch with me [email protected]: [00:06:00] I talk about my racism, internalised over time and the risk of racial trauma to global majority listeners that can happen when a white person centres their voice. [00:07:30] I explain I am going to be talking about Lucy Letby, a murderer convicted in the UK of killing babies in intensive care units. TW: Racism, baby loss.[00:12:00]  I talk about the comparison between Letby’s arrest and arrests made by people in the black community - again highlighted in a post by Liz Pemberton. https://www.voice-online.co.uk/news/uk-news/2023/07/23/outrage-over-bus-fare-arrest-of-mum/#:~:text=The%20mother%2C%20who%20was%20handcuffed,not%20show%20the%20full%20picture. Article for reference please be aware this contains links to a video of the incident and I am unaware if the woman concerned has consented to this being shared. [00:19:00] The social work profession response to Letby’s conviction. Relevant links and those discussed in this episode: Link to Kelechi Okafor’s instagram post about Letby:https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwKuIg7KZX2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Liz Pemberton’s instagram post relating to this case:https://www.instagram.com/p/CwICtlIovuj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Liz Pemberton is running a webinar ‘An introduction to anti-racism in the early years’. It remains the most impactful training I have ever attended and I highly recommend it: Go here to get  a ticket. https://www.instagram.com/p/CxFpTOmIrdt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Article by Dr Jessica Taylorhttps://www.independent.co.uk/voices/lucy-letby-nurse-killer-babies-friends-appeal-b2398695.html Further reading *reading is a good first step but it shouldn’t be the end of a journey (as I used to think it was)https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/white-women-everything-you-already-know-about-your-own-racism-and-how-to-do-better-regina-jackson/7153694?ean=9780143136439Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] Sign up to my free newsletter Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.