Black History Month

The lockdown period made it more challenging for us to celebrate as much as we would have liked last year. So we're very excited to be able to get out and about and celebrate with some of our customers this month.

The theme for the festivities this year is Proud To Be. Were proud to be celebrating with our communities this year. We've put together a range a different activities and will be sharing the highlights with you throughout October. 

Educating the next generation

Over the coming month we'll be visiting local schools and reading to the children. We've chosen a book called 'Coming to England' by Floella Benjamin.

The story details her experiences travelling on the  MV Empire Windrush from the Caribbean to the UK as a young girl. The books will then be donated to the schools we visit, to allow more children to read the story in their own time.

We’ll also be working with Birmingham Children’s Hospital to bring some of the celebrations to the children there. We've arranged for a  resident from one of our supported living schemes to take part in reading a book to the children. 

Green fingers

In previous years we've planted black poppy seeds to remember the contribution black, African and Caribbean communities made in past wars.

This year as a symbol of our appreciation, we'll be planting black tulip bulbs with the residents in some of our Retirement Living Schemes.

A taste of history

Our staff and residents at our supported living schemes will also be taking part in celebrations. We'll be serving Caribbean and African dishes for the residents. Throughout the month they'll also get a chance to enjoy music of black origin, take part in black history quizzes, poetry competitions and a Caribbean cookery class.