Beginning the conversations

In 2024, we invited Barnwood Circle members to explore this with us. We gathered eight members and six staff together for six sessions to explore the question: “What would a member experience look like if it was truly anti-racist and inclusive of all ethnicities, faiths and cultures?” 

Together, we explored every stage of the member journey – from first hearing about Barnwood Circle, to joining as a new member, to taking part in events and projects. From this, we co-produced a Guide to Building Belonging and Anti-Racism in Barnwood Circle, setting out principles such as:

• I am wanted and welcome 

• I am able to be my whole self 

• Trust is built over time 

• People have my back 

• I don’t have to be perfect 

The group spoke openly about anti-racism, inclusion and belonging. One member shared:

Another added:

These conversations reminded us that creating an anti-racist environment is not just about policies or words. It’s about how we all show up – as staff, as members, and as a community. 

Putting our ideas into practice

In 2025, we came back together to build on what we had started. We spent time learning more about language, ideas, and approaches that can help us talk about racism in ways that are compassionate, positive, and clear. 

The group didn’t want the project to sit on the shelf. Together, we agreed three clear actions: 

1. Create key messages and anti-racist statements to share with new and prospective Barnwood Circle members. This helps people know our intentions and feel confident to join in.
   
2. Refine our principles and explore practical ways for members to have a positive experience – including making sure people feel confident to be an ally and to feel that others “have my back.”
3. Be more ‘out there’ by sharing our learning with the wider public, raising awareness about anti-racism in a compassionate and honest way. 

From project to podcast

As part of our aim to be more ‘out there’, the group decided to share our learning with a wider audience by producing a podcast. We felt that if these conversations had helped us, then having similar conversations publicly and sharing what we’d learned might help others too. We also wanted to make sure that new members understand this work as part of their joining experience because everyone has a role to play in creating an anti-racist environment in Barnwood Circle. 

One member captured the challenge simply:

That comment stayed with us. So, we wanted to create a podcast that wasn’t about separating people into categories – it’s about finding common ground, learning together, and creating a culture where everyone can be themselves fully, and belong. 

Introducing the podcast: Building Belonging

Circle members and staff co-created the podcast topics and questions. Each episode shares real conversations about anti-racism, inclusion, and belonging – honest, imperfect, but hopeful. 

Through the podcast, we want to share our message that: 

• Barnwood Circle is a place where everyone is welcome. 

• We are taking steps to be anti-racist by looking out for each other, challenging ourselves, and keeping the conversation going. 
• We are learning. We don’t have all the answers, but we are committed to the journey. 

Why we’re sharing this

We know that conversations about racism can feel difficult – especially in today’s climate. But avoiding them doesn’t help. By sharing our learning as a podcast, we hope to open up more space for others in Gloucestershire to reflect, talk, and act.  

Barnwood Trust is on a journey to become anti-racist, so that we fully include all disabled people and people with mental health conditions in a way that aligns with our values.  

Building Belonging is just one step. We hope you’ll listen in, share your thoughts, and join us on this journey.