Become the Bridge: Why we’re challenging racism
At Point North, we exist to create a better today and a brighter tomorrow for communities across County Durham, Tees Valley and the wider North East.
We want resilient, prosperous communities. Places where people can live a full life, not just survive. But that vision cannot become reality if racism goes unchallenged.
That’s why we are proud to be early adopters of the North East Anti-Racism Coalition, Become the Bridge.
About the North East Anti-Racism Coalition
Formed in 2024 as an informal group of volunteers appalled by the summer riots, the North East Anti-Racism Coalition is a movement pushing back against the growing racist rhetoric and violence that is blighting many parts of the North East.
Their mission is to make the North East a region that actively opposes racism, and hatred based on religious identity.
Stepping up to tackle racism
Racism is not just about individual acts or attitudes. It is a barrier to opportunity, wellbeing and progress.
When people face prejudice in schools, workplaces or public services, the harm does not end there. Confidence is lost. Trust in institutions erodes. Opportunities narrow. Poverty deepens.
If we want to tackle poverty, we must tackle inequality.
If we want prosperity, we must dismantle the barriers holding people back.
Racism undermines organisational effectiveness too. It impacts staff wellbeing, weakens culture and limits the reach and impact of services. Put simply, organisations cannot be at their best if people within them are not treated fairly.
Why we signed up to Become the Bridge
We know that challenging racism can feel difficult. It can feel uncomfortable. At times, it may even feel divisive.
But doing nothing is not neutral. It allows inequality to continue.
Become the Bridge exists to support organisations to move beyond intention and into action. It brings people together to learn, reflect and make meaningful changes within systems, structures and everyday practice.
Become the bridge is about accountability, courage and sustained change that allows us to build a brighter future for our region.
Our commitment
As early supporters and funders of the North East Anti-Racism Coalition, we support this work because we believe in the potential of our region.
County Durham, Tees Valley and the wider North East is a proud, creative and resilient region. But we cannot ignore the divides within our communities and expect things to change.
We believe our region can lead. More than that, we believe it can lead with hope.
Hope that organisations will step forward.
Hope that difficult conversations will lead to better understanding.
Hope that, together, we can build communities that are truly inclusive.
What happens next
Joining Become the Bridge is not the end of a journey. It is a commitment to keep going.
We will continue to listen, to learn and to act. We will challenge ourselves and support others to do the same.
Because creating a better today and a brighter tomorrow means taking a stand now.
And because everyone in our communities deserves the chance not just to survive, but to live a full, prosperous life.
Find out more & sign up to Become the Bridge
Whether as an individual or organisation, you too can sign up to Become the Bridge by visiting the North East Anti-Racism Coalition’s website.
