Celebrating culture and identity: a year of meaningful moments

Black History Month

October was a vibrant and deeply meaningful celebration of Black excellence, resilience, and culture. Led by the Race Equality Staff Network and supported by colleagues across the Trust, the month featured a rich programme of events designed to educate, inspire, and honour lived experience.

We were privileged to hear from Selina Toussaint-Peterson, a CBT therapist at LSCFT, who spoke about the importance of learning Black history and its relevance to our work and communities. We also welcomed Ajibola Lewis MBE, who shared the powerful and emotional story of her son’s death in a mental health setting and the subsequent development of Seni’s Law - a landmark in the fight for justice and accountability.

Mindfulness sessions hosted by Jo Moffet from our Wellbeing Team offered moments of reflection, while a Black History Month themed Schwartz Round created space for open dialogue. We also launched our mutual mentoring scheme, fostering reciprocal learning between colleagues of different backgrounds.

At The Harbour, colleagues transformed the reception area into a stunning celebration space, complete with a red carpet, balloon arch, and a large stall. B.A.M.E. colleagues generously prepared a buffet of traditional dishes, including fried plantains, jollof rice, and okra stew. A fashion show showcased traditional attire, and a djembe drumming session invited staff and service users to participate in rhythm and culture.

Disability History Month

From 14 November to 20 December, we marked Disability History Month with a focus on disability, livelihood, and employment. This year’s theme highlighted the importance of inclusive workplaces and the need to address barriers that disabled people face in employment and beyond.

Throughout the month, Will Butterworth, Reasonable Adjustments Manager, led a series of one-hour sessions offering practical guidance on how to request, process, and implement reasonable adjustments. These sessions were complemented by a virtual training event for disabled staff, managers, and team supporters, aimed at building confidence in having compassionate and informed conversations.

We also hosted a session reviewing recruitment data and the disability disparity ratio, using this as a springboard to explore how our inclusive recruitment toolkit can support more equitable hiring practices. Melanie Close, Chief Executive of Disability Equality North West, delivered a powerful session on the history of disabled people and the significance of Disability History Month.

A bite-sized disability allyship Lunch and Learn session rounded out the month, offering practical tips and open discussion on how to be effective allies to disabled colleagues.

LGBT+ History Month

February’s LGBT+ History Month was themed around social activism and change, and our LGBTQ+ Staff Network, in collaboration with the Diversity and Inclusion Team, delivered a rich and varied programme of events.

James Davison, co-founder of the TransHistorical Conference, led a session on transgender history, exploring how historical narratives shape modern understandings of gender and identity. Gavin McNamara-Jones, LGBTQ+ Staff Network co-chair, shared his personal journey in a heartfelt session on LGBTQ+ parenting, while fellow co-chair Sally Wall delivered two powerful sessions; one on the history and impact of conversion therapy, and another on intersex identities, highlighting the barriers and challenges faced by intersex individuals.

LGBTQ+ Staff Network members Helena Lockett and Monet Booker led a thoughtful discussion on asexual and aromantic identities, helping to increase awareness and understanding of these often-overlooked communities. Kevin McVeigh, EDI Champions Network co-chair, hosted a book club session on Trumpet by Jackie Kay, offering space for literary reflection and dialogue.

The month also included an LGBTQIA+ allyship session led by diversity and inclusion colleagues, covering the role of allies, current challenges, and active bystander techniques. The celebrations concluded with a one-hour event led by Gavin McNamara-Jones, honouring the history, achievements, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community.

Pride Month

In June, we celebrated Pride Month with a Trust-wide virtual event that brought together our Executive Team, LGBTQ+ Staff Network, and Diversity and Inclusion Team. During the session, colleagues shared personal stories, explored the history of Pride, and reflected on the importance of allyship and visibility.

Our Talking Therapies Team also proudly attended Pride events across the region, offering support, information, and a visible presence that affirmed our commitment to inclusion and belonging for LGBTQ+ communities.

International Women’s Day

March saw a powerful celebration of International Women’s Day at the ABC War Memorial Hall in Hurst Green, Clitheroe. Over 100 women from across the Trust, including nurses, doctors, pharmacists, students, and support staff came together for a day of connection, empowerment, and reflection.

The event featured a panel discussion with our Women’s Staff Network and guest speaker Wendy Bowers, a Blackburn-based business coach and mentor. Wendy spoke about women’s progress in leadership and shared her “three superpowers” -  the power of thought, the power of gratitude, and the power of breathing deeply.

Abigail Harrison, our Chief Digital, Infrastructure and Improvement Officer, shared her leadership journey and personal experience of perimenopause. Topics such as menopause, gynaecological health, mental wellbeing, and the challenges of balancing work and caregiving were openly discussed. The day concluded with mindfulness activities, yoga, and wellbeing walks.

Gypsy Roma and Traveller History Month

In June, we marked Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) History Month with an insightful session delivered in partnership with Friends, Family Travellers. The event explored the rich histories and diverse cultures of GRT communities, while also addressing the barriers they face in accessing healthcare and support.

Colleagues engaged with census data, practical inclusion strategies, and interactive polls. A question and answer session allowed for open dialogue, and attendees received follow-up resources to continue their learning.

Professional Development Conference

On Tuesday 22 July more than 80 colleagues came together for a special day at our Professional Development Conference, which also marked the celebration of South Asian Heritage Month. It was a day filled with inspiration, passion and unity bringing together people from across our organisation and beyond to reflect on leadership, diversity, and professional growth.

We were honoured to welcome both internal and external speakers, who shared their experiences, and passion for leadership.

Our key external speakers included:

• Sheeba Philip, Nurse Consultant, East Lancashire Teaching Hospitals
• Ingvar Ingvarsson, Lecturer, University of Cumbria
• Shivraj Kumar Dandagi, Practice Development Facilitator, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

Our internal speakers included:

• Karmini McCann, Deputy Chief People Officer and Director of Organisational Development and Inclusion
• Rebekah Roshan, Deputy Chief Nurse and Quality Officer
• Professor Paul Jebb, Associate Chief Nurse for Patient Experience, Engagement and Safeguarding

We also heard powerful and personal stories from a range of speakers who shared their journeys into leadership. These stories were moving and inspiring. They reminded us that growth often comes from the challenges we face, and that every step no matter how difficult shapes us into stronger, more compassionate leaders.