I was nominated for the Multicultural Network Ambassador role by my colleagues at Cygnet Acer Clinic. I saw it as big and challenging task but fortunately, the management team with their 100% support gave me the courage to carry on.
My role as Multicultural Network Ambassador includes raising awareness about related issues, support the staff and promote inclusion. My first task within the role was to organise events for ‘Black History Month’ in which Cygnet Acer Clinic actively participated. We started the celebrations on 1st October and with the support and cooperation of the unit’s Occupational Therapy teams we incorporated some major events in the weekly Therapeutic Activity timetable.
This has really had a positive impact on our service users as they were involved and supportive of the process.
Some of the events we organised during October included:
- Movie night every Sunday where the staff and service users watched and discussed movies which reflect Black History
- Cultural Talk – Discussions on the topic “Understanding our Marriage celebrations” from different cultural backgrounds
- Karaoke, music and traditional dancing
- Saluting our Sisters session – Discussion about “My Heroine is…”
- Food showcasing – Members of staff brought different dishes representing their cultural settings
- Cultural Dressing Showcase – Members of staff came to work with their colourful clothing representing their cultural settings
- Speech by Clinical Manager Carolyn who saluted and congratulated all black females who work at Cygnet Acer Clinic
Once again, I would like to thank the management team for their support for Diversity and Inclusion activities in the unit and most especially for supporting our Multicultural Network Ambassadorial role.
I would also like to thank all members of staff and our service users for their active involvement in this year’s Black History Month events and I look forward to working with the team in the future to organise more events and celebrations.