NHS Saluting Our Sisters

Althia supports many in the community and has become a safe, reliable, trustworthy confidant for many. She will often hold get togethers in her home, which provide a safe haven for many and a much-needed ear for listening, without any judgement. In her professional life, Althia is the co-chair for the Black Worker Network for Gloucestershire County Council. Here she provides key information, shares job opportunities and organises events, acting as a true advocate for Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority colleagues. Althia works tirelessly to raise awareness of the issues affecting minoritised communities across the system. She constructively challenges but is keen to provide solutions. She has developed effective working relationships with senior leaders across the Integrated Care System to ensure the voice of minoritised communities are heard. An anti-racist practitioner, Althia’s core values of social justice and equality for all are embedded throughout her work.

Amanda works in the Cancer Clinical Trials Team at Gloucestershire Hospitals Foundation Trust, recruiting patients with haematological disorders into trials. Amanda started work in clinical research as a Data Officer and has grown and developed to become a Senior Research Coordinator, looking after her own caseload of patients and a portfolio of trials. This is a huge achievement and one which is encouraging others not to limit their ambitions. Amanda forms supportive relationships with her patients and has been a role model within clinical research locally. She brings a fresh perspective to the team she works in and wider hospital teams, playing an active role in the Equality and Diversity Network within the Trust and taking the time to educate and raise awareness of different cultures and backgrounds. She also works within her local community, hosting a weekly radio show, where she aims to support her local community with different speakers and discussions on topical matters that affect everyone. The show has also helped promote research and break down the barriers and misconceptions around participating in research.

Amba is often referred to as Aunty Amba in the community. Over the years, she has helped many families with her wisdom and kind words. Amba takes the time to visit people’s homes, spend time with the elderly and offer advice and guidance to those in need, with no judgement. A key figure at various churches, her kindness has impacted many in the community, supporting them through challenging times.

Bev works as part of the Community Engagement team at Gloucester City Council. Her role includes specific responsibilities for inequalities, the city's bid for Green Flag status for Gloucester Park and a City of Sanctuary, and a trainer on Bystander Training. Bev uses her breadth of knowledge and understanding to support and challenge colleagues to be better allies and advocates. She encourages those at work and in the wider community to have stronger voices in systems that permit discrimination in any form. Bev is known for her compassion, commitment and care for local communities and everyone in them. In her free time, she promotes health and wellbeing, organising walking clubs, holding discussions on mental and emotional wellbeing and providing opportunities for social interaction and support to reduce feelings of loneliness. Through this work Bev has built a community and reaches out to people from all walks of life.

Blanche has focused her professional and personal life to supporting Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority groups in Gloucestershire. She worked for Gloucestershire Hospitals Foundation Trust as the first specialist nurse for Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia, diseases that are particularly common in people with an African or Caribbean family background. In this role, she raised awareness amongst the hospital and within the community of how these diseases affect Black people. She also supported families living with the conditions, encouraging open conversations and helping to remove the stigma that is often attached to these conversations. Blanche is Chair of Ebony Carers, a group which provides respite and support to carers from an African Caribbean background. This group has grown greatly since Covid and now supports around 70 individuals, providing weekly exercise, activities, information sessions and a space to socialise and eat together. Her continuous community work is valued by many in the community.

Camella is a qualified family solicitor, specialising in Child Care Law at WSP Solicitors. She is the only Black female Law Society accredited child panel solicitor in Gloucestershire and is also one of the Board Directors of WSP Solicitors. Camella enjoys working with young people and nurturing/mentoring talent. As the Training principle at WSP Solicitors, where she works with trainee solicitors, and as a guest lecturer at the University of Gloucestershire, she has inspired many young adults. She is also a mentor for the Society of Caribbean Lawyers and is currently mentoring a young person who is trying to establish a career in law. Camella has also been a school governor at a local primary school in Gloucester. Camella is currently a Trustee of the Flunk Convalescent Fund, which gives grants to women who live in the City of Gloucestershire and are in poor health or are recovering after an illness or operation and need financial assistance. Her dedication to supporting those from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority Communities is also demonstrated in her work as a committee member of the Gloucestershire Constabulary Community Legitimacy Panel, which considers the issues affecting these communities and questioning the Constabulary’s practices in a constructive way.

Carol began her community work in Gloucestershire during the 1970s, setting up a youth club that provided a space for young Black people could meet and socialise. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to support people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, taking on several advisory roles, including Chairperson on the City Council’s Race Equality Forum and representing the Southwest on a government task force to encourage more Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic women into public service. In 1989 Carol was appointed as a local Magistrate and in 2000 she made local history by being elected the first Black female City Councillor. In 2001, Carol became the first Black Sheriff and Deputy Mayor of Gloucester City. Alongside this, Carol set up the Gloucester FM community radio station, which has been broadcasting since 2000, and continues to present shows. In 2012, Carol helped set up the Black Minority Ethnic Police and Community Trust, which aims to improve levels of community trust and confidence with Gloucestershire Constabulary. Carol has empowered many Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people across the county, dedicating most of her life to the community.

Carol has been an active community member and supported ethnic minority communities for many years. Before retiring, Carol worked at Gloucestershire County Council, ensuring services were available for those in need and that they met the needs of the communities they served. She is now greatly involved with the Black Elders Day Centre and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Ebony Carers Group, a care support group tailored to support Carers from an African Caribbean background. Her dedication to support the groups mission has helped create a much-needed support network for those caring for loved ones. Carol also initiated a Memory Café in the Barton and Tredworth area, which provides a lifeline for community members dealing with memory problems and their caregivers. During Covid-19, she ensured that members had access to regular exercise classes at the local leisure centre, promoting physical and mental well-being. Carol is a true pillar of the community.

Debbie is a dedicated advocate for the well-being of women in recovery in Gloucestershire. Using her lived experience of addiction and trauma, she has supported many to navigate the complex mental and emotional journey of overcoming addiction and trauma. Debbie has taken the time to empathetically listen to people’s stories, build trust and establish meaningful connections with those in need. She has created empowering spaces that encourage women to reclaim their stories, share coping mechanisms, have open dialogue and rebuild their lives with resilience. For many in the community, Debbie has contributed to the creation of a supportive network that fosters a sense of sisterhood and solidarity among women in recovery. Her ability to drive change through her own experience and passion is evident and humbling.

Gail has been a pivotal figure and stands as a beacon in her community. Gail is a retired teacher, initially teaching History and English at Secondary Level and later becoming a Multicultural Advisory Teacher for the County. Gail also trained as a Social Worker and worked as a Community Social Worker in Gloucester. She managed Widden Family Centre (now Bartongate Children’s Centre) and has worked with many local charities and organisations to support babies, children and young families in need. Her commitment to helping others extended to her working with people living with Dementia. She helped to run a supplementary Saturday School for over 20 years, and in 2001, Gail was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty, The Queen, for ‘Services to Education in Gloucestershire’. Gail was Chair of the St. Ann’s Society of Gloucester for many years, where she helped twin Gloucester with the Parish of St. Ann in Jamaica. An esteemed educator, Gail has also written three books and ardently preserves the history of the African-Caribbean Community in Gloucester in her writing. Gail’s journey embodies resilience and dedication to understanding her heritage. Her impactful work and accomplishments have empowered others to advocate for change and have inspired generations.

Javinia’s extensive career has made her a role model for many Black girls in Gloucestershire. She attended Beaufort Community School (now known as Holmleigh Park High School) before reading Law at the University of Wolverhampton. After her degree, Javinia went on to complete the Bar Vocational Course in London and was called to the Bar of England and Wales. Javinia went on to practice law in the UK and later in St. Kitts. On her return to the UK, Javinia undertook a career change as she wanted to have a greater impact on the lives of young people, at an earlier stage. Javinia decided to go into teaching and is now Deputy Head Teacher and a Teacher of English at Seven Vale School. She has impacted and helped many young Black children flourish and works hard for the community.

Keasha has used her own experiences of domestic abuse to support women and those identifying as women who are experiencing domestic abuse in Gloucestershire. In 2021, Keasha set up Honour Thy Woman, a community organisation which offers support to women from different cultures and backgrounds. The organisation hosts a large range of activities including creative outlets to support mental health and well-being, peer mentor support and signposting to further resources. Keasha has also created training for family members, friends and neighbours to bring more awareness of domestic abuse and its impact on children. More recently, Keasha has founded Women's Tower of Strength C.I.C, which provides domestic abuse training for the workplace. Keasha has made a real difference to the lives of many women in Gloucestershire. She has created a platform for others to share their experiences and has empowered them to shape their lives in the process.

Lillianne works at Gloucestershire Health and Care as a Clinical Learning Disability Nurse. Lillianne works within a service area to provide care for service users and carers. She is also involved in the Valuing Your Difference project and champions Ethnic Minority Communities' access Learning Disabilities services, raising awareness of the work the team does and creating a culturally competent organisation. She was Co-Chair of the Race and Cultural Staff Awareness Network and helped others to understand the challenges, barriers and stigma around Learning Disabilities, making more communities members aware of the services and sharing her lived experience with the NHS. Lillianne is making a difference to the families she supports, colleagues she works with and communities she serves on daily basis.

Sheema leads the health inequalities team at Gloucestershire Hospitals Foundation Trust and plays a key part in how the NHS addresses health inequalities. She always keeps the views and needs of minority groups at the forefront of conversations and decision making. Sheema is also an active member of the Trust’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion group and has made a huge impact in this field, highlighting health inequalities across Gloucestershire. Sheema’s friendliness and determination has inspired colleagues and she often mentors colleagues, particularly those of ethnic minority origin, to help them reach their full potential and giving them the confidence to strive for promotions. She has also supported colleagues to return to work after sick leave and acknowledges the challenges this can bring. With a desire and willingness to challenge the system for positive change, Sheema engenders the Trust’s values with genuineness and continues to support the Trust's Agenda for change in a positive manner.

Tania is the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, supporting colleagues to raise their voices and profiles through the Trust’s five diversity networks, including the Race and Cultural Awareness Network. Tania also works with colleagues across One Gloucestershire to develop and maintain a positive, supportive and inclusive culture and environment. Tania was the first Black HR professional on the Senior Leadership HR team at the County Council and is now owner and Director of Hamilton’s HR LTD; HR Specialist and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant. Whilst being the main carer to her elderly parents, Tania has also trained as an ACAS workplace Mediator, a Mental Health First Aider and is a non-executive Board Trustee with Charity ‘Active Gloucestershire’ where her focus is on diversity and inclusion, recently collaborating on the implementation of the Race Equality Code there. Her passion to support minority groups and colleagues from minority ethnic backgrounds, is evident is all the work she does.

Valerie has championed inclusivity and positive change across Gloucestershire for many years. She is the Founder and Director of Arts Diverse-City and Founder-Trustee of OpenDoors 4U. These organisations work to create spaces and organise events that not only celebrate, but amplify the rich cultural heritage present in different communities, and support the identity of Black culture among young Black people. These artistic platforms are used to bridge cultural divides and foster collaboration and understanding. Valerie is also the Co-Founder and Trustee of Walk in My Shoes, a mentoring scheme that aims to improve the experiences of members of Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority communities within health services, by pairing up residents with senior NHS staff to discuss their experiences and address medical needs that are specific to these communities. Valerie’s work has empowered many individuals, actively working towards a future where everyone feels valued.

Vareta has extensive leadership and management experience spanning over 25 years within the public sector. She has driven service transformation within the health and social care system, resulting in improved outcomes for patients, service users and staff. She has a strong commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, undertaking roles as a Lay Member with NHS Gloucestershire and as a Trustee with North and West Gloucester Advice Bureau. Vareta's dedication to supporting her community extends beyond her professional life into the voluntary and community sectors, where she has actively worked and held positions on various boards. Vareta has also set up and led voluntary and community groups, which deliver services, advice and information on a range on issues within the Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority communities. Vareta has inspired many young people and Black women through mentoring and coaching on women's health and well-being, job searching and management/career development. Her contributions reflect a deep commitment to supporting community wellbeing and social causes.

Verona has been very active over many years in organising and delivering events in the community to promote social cohesion and community pride. She has been involved in many projects bringing together health and social care partners and the Black communities. She has been the instigator and leader in organising the annual Jamaican Independence Day celebrations, which is attended by individuals from a range of cultural backgrounds. She was the Centre Manager for Black Elders Day Centre and set up a Consortium to enable the Black Voluntary sector to develop partnerships and work better together. She has also been involved in supporting the entertainment scene as a DJ, Compere and as a presenter of the multi-cultural programme Face 2 Face and The Rice and Peas show on Gloucester FM Radio. She also helped to set up a local Drama Group called Gwaan Ebony following a residency by TEMBA theatre company and has been a Trustee of Music Works. Verona was Chair of the All Nations Community Centre, a central hub for community events and unity, particularly for the African Caribbean community. Here she has helped set up activities for local people to come together and celebrate diverse cultures, histories and stories. She is the voice for many Jamaican people in Gloucestershire, whilst supporting her family and raising her grandson. Her commitment and dedication is inspiring to others to actively contribute in their communities.