Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 18 May 2024 at 10:01
October is Black History Month and this year’s focus is on improving the future through action not words.
Black History month is about celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black people across the UK and around the world. It’s also a time to continue action around tackling racism and ensure the representation of Black history all year round.
Tasnim Ali, Chair of the National Ambulance BME Forum, launched the month saying:
‘What this means for me is time for reflection on what action can we take, either small or big. We sometimes have to give permission to ourselves to be brave. Bravery can come in different forms, supporting staff, opening up conversations about difference (educate), check and challenge understanding and invest in yourself. We all need to develop and maintain our resilience. Get to know you so you can be you at work.’
Free Lunch and Learn session: Wednesday 12th October ‘Show Racism the Red Card!’
On Wednesday 12th October, from 12:00pm-1:30pm, the National Ambulance BAME Forum are hosting a Lunch and Learn Session which is open to everyone. The session is titled ‘Where racism comes from and how to recognise and respond to it – Show Racism the Red Card!’
Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) is the UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity, established in January 1996, thanks in part to then Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop.
In 1990s Newcastle, Shaka was at a petrol station near St James Park when he was confronted with a group of young people shouting racist abuse at him. After one of the group realised that they had been shouting at Shaka Hislop, the Newcastle United football player, they came over to ask for an autograph.
It was from this experience that Shaka realised he could harness his status as a professional player to make a difference. Coupled with the power of football and his status as a role model, Shaka thought education could be an effective strategy in challenging racism in society.
Since it began SRtRC has worked to deliver educational workshops cantered around discrimination and racism. They have harnessed the power of past and present professional football players to assist in delivering their message and tackling racism across the country.
The SRtRC session will explore the following topics:
This session is open to all Ambulance Service employees nationally and will be taking place over Microsoft Teams. You can book your free place here.
EEAST BME Survey
During the week commencing 10th and 17th October, a series of 1:1 telephone events and focus groups will be taking place to engage with minority ethnic colleagues and understand their experiences of working at EEAST .
To reserve a place on any of the above events, please e-mail:
Black History Month Teams background
If you would like to download a Black History Month Teams background you can do so here.
Wear Red Day: Show Racism the Red Card #WRD22
On 21st October 2022 it is Wear Red Day, and SRtRC are asking everyone to wear something red and help stamp out racism. Last year an incredible 250,000 supported the charity with this. You can find more information here or email kenza@theredcard.org
Our EEAST BME network
Our EEAST BME network works with the Trust to utilise the skills and resources of its Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic colleagues and volunteers to add value to the organisation and make EEAST a great place to work.
If you are interested in joining our EEAST BME network or have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at BME.Network@eastamb.nhs.uk
