October marks the celebration of Black History Month! The annual event honours the history of Black communities, it recognises the outstanding achievements made by Black thought leaders and within Inclusion, we celebrate the past, present and future of our Black NHS colleagues.

Today, we’re highlighting Annie and her team and colleagues at HMP Drake Hall, who put together a fantastic event for Black History Month on Thursday 6th October.

Annie is a staff member of the Inclusion team at HMP Drake Hall, whose passion drove this event to success! Read her story below…

“Black women have played a central role in history all across the world for centuries. Yet still, our stories are frequently left untold, unannounced and not taught in schools or institutions. Even libraries do not have much information about our work over the years. Contributions in industries are not recognised. All lost in time or overshadowed by those of our other counterparts. Our achievements have gone unrecognised and continue to be neglected in academic teachings, despite having shaped our present society in many ways.

My name is Annie. I am a temporary staff with the Inclusion team in HMP Drake Hall. I have for years questioned my own identity in many ways. As a black woman of African origin, l spent most of my life in the United Kingdom. The sad story is that both continents consider me a foreigner. So l ask myself, what is my true identity? Events for Black History Month give me that sense of belonging. This, l strongly believe, is where most of our clients are… something that gives them hope and inspiration – a sense of new beginnings and opportunities. That’s my reason and passion for putting together this event for the women of HMP Drake Hall.”

Annie’s event was a huge success and was very well attended by the ladies in custody, prison staff from all departments and the Governors too.

Annie and her team created a very positive, hopeful and enjoyable atmosphere at the event, which everyone present benefited from. To see people dancing, smiling and enjoying themselves as a collective group is a rare sight in a prison estate.

Annie and her team created a very positive, hopeful and enjoyable atmosphere at the event, which everyone present benefited from.

A Team Leader within Inclusion’s Integrated Mental Health and Substance Misuse Team at HMP Drake Hall commented:

“To see people dancing, smiling and enjoying themselves as a collective group is a rare sight in a prison estate… Full credit for the event’s success should be given to Annie, who has worked incredibly hard, both inside and outside of her working hours, to create the Black History Month event and celebrate Black culture.”

Check out some photos from the event below!