Black History Month: What Does True Inclusion Look Like in Care?
At My Home Life England, we often talk about how a positive care environment promotes quality of life for everyone involved in the care experience – including those who work there. Care settings should be places where everyone feels like they belong – where voices are heard, identities are known, and joy is shared.
This Black History Month, as we reflect on the theme “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” we’re reminded that inclusion isn’t just about policies or posters. It’s about the everyday moments that reveal whether people feel safe to be fully themselves.
A Moment of Joy and Hesitation
Our director, Tom, recently shared an experience that stayed with him. He was visiting a care home during the post-lunch lull, where older people were dozing in their armchairs. Suddenly, music began to play — upbeat, joyful, and unmistakably rooted in Black African culture.
Staff members, predominantly from Nigeria and Ghana, began to dance. Their energy was infectious. The older people, all white, awoke
and joined in, smiling and swaying. For a moment, the room was alive with joy, connection, and cultural pride.
But then something curious happened.
The remote control for the stereo kept being passed around. No one held onto it for long. It was as if, despite the joy, there was an unspoken fear of being seen enjoying “their” music too much and a hesitation to take up space.
That moment, Tom said, was a missed beat for inclusion.
It wasn’t about the music; it was about what it revealed. That even in a joyful, shared experience, some staff felt they couldn’t fully embrace the moment. Cultural expression, while welcomed in that instance, hadn’t yet become part of the everyday rhythm of the home.
From Reflection to Action
This story isn’t about blame, it’s about reflection. It invites us to ask:
- What does true inclusion look like in care environments?
- How do we move beyond symbolic gestures to create spaces where cultural identity is not just acknowledged, but embraced?
- How do we ensure everyone feels safe, seen, and celebrated, every day, not just during Black History Month?
We asked some of the incredible Black leaders who’ve been part of MHLE programmes to share their reflections:
Sue Ann Nnamani, Professional Support and Development Programme (PSDP) Participant
“As a Black Caribbean woman, my journey in care has been one of both challenge and growth. There were moments when I felt the weight of being ‘different’ – of having to prove my worth, to speak louder to be heard, or to stand taller when assumptions were made. But there has also been deep pride in knowing that my heritage, my accent, and my way of seeing the world brings something powerful and necessary to the care community.
Black History Month reminds me that our stories matter. Each of us stands on the shoulders of those who came before — people who fought quietly and bravely for the space we now occupy. It reminds me, too, that representation is not just symbolic; it’s transformative.”
Jeom Justin, General Manager Walton Park Care Home
“Diversity among staff has had a positive impact on our team. While most of our residents come from white backgrounds — and some have expressed racist views — the staff are very diverse and work well together. That unity and collaboration across cultures is something I really value. Working alongside colleagues from different backgrounds has helped us learn from one another and expand our understanding of different cultures. It’s a continuous learning experience that strengthens our practice. I support inclusive practice by encouraging staff to support each other and to stay open to learning and adapting. That’s key to providing the best care to our residents.”
Akua Buabeng, Registered Home Manager, Linwood Care Home
“In adult social care, understanding the unique cultures of those we support improves communication and builds trust. A diverse team doesn’t just strengthen the workplace — it reflects the inclusive values at the heart of good quality care. To better support Black excellence in care, we need to promote Black leaders into management, board, and decision-making roles, and invest in mentorship programmes.”
Sharon Duke-Inyang, Team Leader
“As a Team Leader in my service, I get to empower people to live with dignity, independence, and confidence, and coach new staff in ensuring the quality of care given to the residents is optimal and the very best. As a young Black professional in care, I know that representation matters as it inspires others and challenges outdated perceptions of Black people in the sector. When our teams are diverse, we not only provide more inclusive care, but also create environments where staff and the people we support feel respected, understood, and celebrated for who they are.”
Karolyn Sisto, Home Manager Eastham
“At Eastham, we have created a Black History display. This has helped to educate everyone about some of the important contributions made by Black people over time, contributions that have helped shape the society we live in today. This has fostered a sense of inclusion for residents, staff, and visitors alike, and sparked meaningful conversations. People have shared stories, reflected on history, and connected over the impact of these contributions — not just in the past, but in how they continue to influence our lives and care practices today.”
Standing Firm in Power and Pride
These voices remind us that inclusion isn’t just about avoiding exclusion but instead, actively celebrating identity, identifying and nurturing leadership potential, and building and embracing diverse teams whose different skills, perspectives and experiences enhance the overall care environment.
At My Home Life England, we believe that standing firm in power and pride means fully embracing the richness and value that diverse cultures bring, especially to care settings. It means creating an inclusive, relationship-centred culture where people are proud to express their full identities. And it means creating spaces where everyone — staff, people supported by services, and families — can dance like no one’s watching and know that they belong.