HC-One celebrate Black History Month promoting and embracing equality, diversity and inclusionDuring the month of October, HC-One care homes across the UK have embraced the celebration of Black History Month with a range of interactive, engaging, inclusive and enjoyable activities. Homes took the opportunity to celebrate the rich contributions of its diverse colleagues and residents – whose stories, cultures and experiences inspire others. 

Residents and colleagues at Elmwood House Care Home in Boston, Lincolnshire, have been exploring the importance of inclusion, equality and diversity of Black History Month. Colleagues at the home shared stories with each other about what it means to them and why it is important to be inclusive. 

Ruby Hedge, Care Assistant at Elmwood House at Elmwood House Care Home, commented: 

“When I first arrived in the UK from the Philippines, I found it very different. I moved so far from my family and friends, and it was hard.

“Working with older people in the UK is different, it is a different culture, I like it. In my culture we are family orientated, and we look after our elderly and the community. I use that in my working life.”
Gill Exton, aged 80, a resident at Elmwood House Care Home, stated:

“It is important to be inclusive because you could be that one, that one that is different. Be it a disability, your mental health, your race or your gender.”

Residents at Dove Court Care Home in Burnley, Lancashire, have been embracing October by marking Black History Month with arts and crafts, singing, music folklore and learning lots of history in the process too. 

Phil Kaila, who is a World Salsa Champion from Salsa Northwest that provides Salsa events and African drumming experiences, recently visited Dove Court. Phil taught everyone at Dove Court about the language of drum playing through using different techniques.

Phil discussed the history of African drumming and told many stories about African Folklore. Maria O’Sullivan, also from Salsa Northwest, taught residents’ different cultural dances too.

Marylin Sutcliffe, a resident who lives at Dove Court Care Home, said:

“I have thoroughly enjoyed myself at the African drum event and would love to see this again.”

Residents and colleagues also took part in a themed singalong and an arts and crafts session, inspired by the late African American artist Alma Thomas. The catering team at the residential, nursing and dementia care home have been getting creative and making themed dishes each week throughout the month from Jamaica, Africa and South America.

Stephanie Tillotson, Wellbeing Coordinator at Dove Court Care Home, remarked:

“It has been a great event, especially the African drum history and learning to play. Thank you so much to Phil Kaila and Maria O'Sullivan for such an educational and fun event. Everyone loved it.”

Cat Brierley, Home Manager at Dove Court Care Home, added:

“We thoroughly enjoyed the African drum event that was both educational and entertaining. It was wonderful to be involved in something so enriched in culture.”

At Priory Gardens Care Home in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, Charles Maduabuchi Ogbuji, Care Assistant, has shared with residents and colleagues’ details about his Igbo heritage and upbringing. 

Charles, from the Igbo tribe, was born in 1985, in Northern Nigeria. Charles’ family is made up of six sisters and, as the only son, he takes the place as the ‘Opara’ in his father’s absence.

Charles attended church service with his parents and siblings, and he had a very strict upbringing, courtesy of his mum. Charles relocated to the UK in 2022 with his wife, and his daughter who was born in Bradford and now works at Priory Gardens Care Home. 

Charles shared his knowledge on the Igbo culture with residents and colleagues, which included their arts, music, dance, language, clothing and food. Charles also went on to share details about the traditional lgbo religion which is based on the belief that in a creator God, an earth goddess and other deities and spirits.

They also believe in reincarnation and that ancestors protect their living descendants. Resident and colleagues were particularly interested in hearing about Charles’ stories about Igbo food, including Yam which is eaten boiled or pounded with soups. 

Charles went on to tell residents and colleagues that he and his family are particularly fond of Ofe oha, omugbu (bitter leaf soup), Ofe akwu (palm carnel soup) and Egwusi (melon soup) which are all popular soups within the Igbo culture. 

Karen Weaver, Wellbeing Coordinator at Priory Gardens Care Home, stated:

“Residents and colleagues really enjoyed listening to Charles’ stories and information about the Igbo culture, traditions, customs, religion and food. It was really interesting, and we all learnt a lot!

“Thank you to Charles for taking the time to share details about his culture with us and we look forward to hosting a food tasting session in the near future to try some of the popular Igbo soups Charles mentioned to us.”

In addition to the countless activities taking place across its care homes, HC-One colleagues also marked Black History Month by:

•    HC-One temporarily changed the desktop wallpaper of colleague’s electronic devices and email signatures showing HC-One’s United in Kindness message, as well as the company Facebook banner and frame with Pan-African flag colours to mark the occasion.
•    HC-One updated its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion page on the company’s internal intranet page ‘OneNet’ and kept the Viva Engage community updated with awareness pieces and stories from across HC-One. 
•    During the first week of Black History Month, HC-One explained what Black History Month is and why it is celebrated. During week two, HC-One shared information about the significance of the hair of black women as a symbol of self-expression, identity and celebration and about how to care for it. During week three, HC-One invited a range of diverse colleagues to share their stories. 
•    To mark the end of Black History Month, HC-One celebrated trailblazers from minority groups in the healthcare sector.