Birth Companions - Case Study

Overview

Since 2021, Strawberry Words has worked in partnership with the charity Birth Companions to develop and embed a deeper understanding of anti-racism across the organisation. Our delivery includes facilitated training sessions for staff and volunteers on anti-racism, unconscious bias, subtle acts of exclusion, white privilege and microaggressions. All new staff now complete our CPD-accredited Time to Talk About Race training as part of their mandatory induction.

This programme of work began in response to a period of critical reflection within the charity, following the murder of George Floyd and the global rise in anti-racism advocacy. Birth Companions recognised that existing equality and diversity training did not go far enough to challenge ingrained assumptions or support a transition to proactive anti-racist practice.

Why the Work Was Commissioned

“We didn’t feel well placed to lead anti-racist work without first educating ourselves. Our policies weren’t saying enough about who we are and what we stand for. We wanted more than a tick-box approach, we needed real change.”

Strawberry Words was brought in to provide the language, tools and frameworks to facilitate that change.

Outcomes and Impact

The sessions were designed to be psychologically safe, honest, and practically useful. Feedback revealed that staff and volunteers valued the space to reflect, the opportunity to have open conversations about identity, and the exercises that brought the realities of microaggressions and white privilege to life.

“I will be much more aware of microaggressions on my part and the language I use.”
– Training participant

“I’m now better equipped to name things and have the confidence to talk about how I feel about them.”
– Training participant

As a result of the training:

• An Anti-Racism Statement was created and publicly shared on the organisation’s website.
• A staff-led Anti-Racism Working Group was established to keep the agenda active and under regular review.
• Recruitment practices were revised to ensure anonymised shortlisting and more inclusive role design.
• Anti-racism awareness is now a core part of onboarding for all new starters.

“The shift in understanding has been huge. We now recognise that policies in a folder don’t drive change – people do.”
– Senior staff member

Ongoing Challenges

Like many organisations seeking to become more inclusive, Birth Companions acknowledges the continued challenge of representation. While progress has been made, the team remains aware of the risks of isolation faced by minoritised staff within predominantly white teams.

“We can’t diversify overnight, but we’re committed to ensuring that everyone who joins feels safe, valued, and heard.”

Final Reflections

“It’s an 11 out of 10. You delivered exactly what we needed and more. I wouldn’t think twice about recommending Strawberry Words.”
– Senior staff member, Birth Companions