Supporting diversity and inclusion through peer support networks

Peer support networks are groups of people who share similar roles, interests, or identities. The networks can be formal or informal, with a variety of purpose and scope but are usually designed to enable members to provide mutual assistance, guidance, and encouragement to each other.

Peer support networks can help promote diversity and inclusion by creating a sense of belonging and community amongst people who may feel isolated or be underrepresented. They can help foster conversations and understanding across differences amongst peer groups and provide a platform for sharing lived experience. And they can also facilitate collaboration in advoating for change within workplaces.

There are a number of peer support networks for people of colour or those from other ethnically minoritised backgrounds across the environment sector. Examples include:

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• Wildlife and Countryside Link Raven Network
• Diverse Sustainability Initiative's People of Colour Network
• British Ecological Society's REED Ecological Network - working for Racial and Ethnic Equality and Diversity

Please visit the websites to find out more about these networks.

If there are other resources such as this we can share, don't hesitate to get in touch!

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