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Black History Month: Reclaiming the Narrative at HPFT

01 Oct 24

This week marks the start of Black History Month - an opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture.

Room displaying Black History Month branding and colours - red, green, yellow and black               Black History Month bunting and a screen with Black History Month branding on a wall

Colleagues from across the Trust joined our Black History Month event which launches a programme of activity taking place across the Trust throughout October.

The event was organised in collaboration with embRACE, formerly the BAME staff network, and was the focus of a panel discussion during the day.

Tendai Ndongwe, Deputy Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, NHS, East of England was the keynote speaker. She talked about how people should “read, educate, challenge yourselves and lean into the uncomfortable conversations in society.” She also shared some stories about growing up and how it is important for people to honour their heroes, embrace their stories and empower themselves. She highlighted some of the negative narratives that exist and the regional anti-racism strategy.

Guest speaker Tendai Ndongwe at the lectern at a Black History Month event                Library book stand and table with books representing Black History Month

HPFT’s Belonging and Inclusion strategy and PCREF (Patient Carer Race Equality Framework) were topics of discussion and Dan Oyayoyi, Strategy Development Manager, who talked about PCREF said: “Let’s not make Black History Month a time for reflection but a catalyst for change.”

Colleagues had the opportunity to network and enjoy a Caribbean hot buffet during the break and were entertained by some steel drumming by Steelosophical.

Rice and curry in metal dishes being served up to people               Man playing a steel drum in Carribean clothing 

The jam-packed day included further opportunities for networking and discussion around breaking down barriers and a talk on an initiative that has been introduced on two of HPFT’s dementia inpatient wards, which has improved the cultural and religious understanding of service users by the staff who care for them.

 

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