Black History Month

It also gives us the chance to learn (and un-learn) vital aspects of what makes us who we are, while allowing us all to become closer as a society and achieve an equitable existence at work and in society.

At East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), we are constantly striving to be a better workplace where all our diverse workforce can belong and grow.

Neill Moloney, Chief Executive, reflects on the importance of the month and making EEAST a great place to work for all.

The BME network exists within the Trust to represent and provide support to our Black, Asian and minority Ethnic staff, and add value to the organisation to make EEAST an inclusive workplace.

The priorities of the BME network include:

• Recruitment and retention of new and existing BME employees
• Collaborate with BME communities to work for EEAST
• Work to make EEAST an employer of choice for BME applicants
• Support positive action initiatives and developing an inclusive culture
• To contribute to and support the delivery of the Workforce Race Equality Standard Action Plan

Tanoh Asamoah-Danso, BME Network Chair, says: “The BME network has been a fantastic space for staff to feel safe, develop, connect and reclaim the narrative that who they are and the person they bring to this organisation should never be minimised, dismissed or devalued”.

For Black History Month, the network has planned some exciting content, including sharing some delicious recipes submitted by network members and a competition for ambulance service staff across the country. Keep an eye on our social media channels for more content throughout the month.

Do you work for an ambulance service and have a child that might like to take part in our competition to win Strong Like Me by Kelechi Okafor?

Children’s competition - write about or draw a picture of a black person that inspires you.

One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s Black History Month theme Reclaiming Narratives is its potential to inspire and educate the next generation. Stories are powerful tools that shape how we understand our past, present, and future. Therefore, the EEAST BME

Network are proud to announce a competition highlighting inspiring stories and people in our lives and communities.

Competition brief:

• Write about or draw a picture of a Black person that inspires you – it can be anyone; a family member, friend, celebrity or historical figure. If writing, word count limit of no more than 500 words applies.
• Entry is for anyone up to the age of 16 associated with a family member in the ambulance service. So, tell your children or siblings to get started! This is open for all staff and volunteers in the ambulance Trusts. Be sure to share it with our colleagues from other ambulance trusts.
• The entries should be sent to the BME network mailbox at BME.Network@eastamb.nhs.uk by Friday 27 October with subject line 'Black History Month competition submission'.
• There will be 30 winners. Winners will be announced on Wednesday 31 October.
• Winners will get a copy of the book Strong Like Me by Kelechi Okafor.

Strong Like Me is a timely picture-book debut by writer, social commentator and podcast host, Kelechi Okafor. This inspirational story sets out to help children discover their power, champion themselves, and be unapologetically secure in who they are. Packed full of heart, the story opens important conversations around ability, intersectionality, race and identity.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact network at BME.Network@eastamb.nhs.uk.