Throughout October Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) will be holding a programme of events to mark Black History Month.
Black History Month aims to promote knowledge of black history, culture and heritage. It works to honour the often-unheralded accomplishments of black people throughout history and share their positive contributions to society.
Following the success of an events programme last year, the Trust is once again encouraging all staff to come together to celebrate the role black people have had in shaping our communities.
Dr Rajesh Nadkarni, Executive Medical Director at CNTW, said: “We hope this work will enable us to raise awareness of the enormous contribution black communities have made, and continue to make, to our society.
“This will form part of the Trust’s commitment to be a fair and diverse workspace where staff feel supported, valued and free to be themselves and achieve their full potential. Black History Month is just the beginning and we hope to continue to work to raise awareness among our staff, service users, carers and families.”
Christine Ntanda, Co-Chair of the Trust’s BAME Staff Network, said: “I am delighted to be involved in raising awareness of people from different backgrounds within the Trust. The BAME Network aims to create a culture where staff from all backgrounds are able to thrive and to provide a place for staff to come together to share experiences and receive support.
“We hope these events can help others understand the experiences of black people so we can work together towards a fairer, more inclusive society.”
The Trust is encouraging people to participate in ‘Wear Red Day’ on Friday 22 October in support of Show Racism the Red Card, and the month will culminate in an event on Thursday 28 October celebrating black history. (More information about the event will be shared very soon.)
CNTW’s BAME Staff Network actively engages and contributes towards ensuring equality, acceptance and inclusion within the Trust. You can find out more about the Network here.