Blog on Black History Month by Together Wellbeing Pathway, Community Link Worker, James Bigson
For Black History Month 2024 we're pleased to shared a blog written by James Bigson who is a Community Link Worker in our Together Wellbeing Pathway within Together's criminal justice services. James considers what Black History Month means to him and his colleagues as well as considering the ways people's lived experiences inform the support we provide to people who use our services and awareness of cultures and circumstances that inform a Service User Leadership approach.
Observing Black History Month at Together for Mental Health Wellbeing gives us a chance to learn, share, and appreciate our staff's diverse knowledge and expertise. This knowledge is crucial in supporting Together's person-centred philosophy and enhancing staff cultural competence.
Developing cultural competencies is not just a mandate but a necessity. It is our responsibility to pay attention to the protective characteristics of the people who use our services. Understanding the specificities of African and Caribbean cultures is not just about improving our skill levels but about our commitment to enhancing the quality of care and support we provide to this category of people we work alongside.
As we celebrate Black History Month, it's important to remember that it's not just a time for recognition of Black presence but also a time for reflection. It reminds us of the ongoing struggles for racial equality and justice and the multiple disadvantages the Black community faces. From this perspective, we must understand and acknowledge the needs of Black people, fostering empathy and compassion, especially for service users from BAME backgrounds.
At Together for Mental Health Wellbeing, the Black and Asian Cultural Community Group see Black History Month as an opportunity to reconsider how we can use our staff's diverse experience and knowledge to enhance inclusivity and diversity across our organisation. The future looks bright for Together for Mental Health and Wellbeing.
