This week marks the beginning of Black History Month, an annual event where for the whole month of October, the history, culture, achievements, and contributions of Black people is celebrated across the UK.
Over the next four weeks, we will celebrate our 1,460 colleagues of Black heritage by shining a light on our unsung heroes, those who have been an inspiration to us or have had a recent achievement that deserves praise. From our clinical psychologists to bank staff, receptionists, nurses, doctors, experts by experience and many more, expect to see a wide range of nominations.
Today’s staff shoutout came from Stephen Waszak-Hayes, Learning Operations Development and Finance Manager. Stephen nominated Yvonne Donald, Hospitality and Events Manager. He said:
“Yvonne has worked for the Trust for a long time, ensuring that the catering department runs smoothly, she not only runs the café at Uffculme but also ensures that the catering for large events such as the AGM, conferences and general day to day buffets are always to high standard. Yvonne’s team embody the Trust’s values. Yvonne also gets the team and anyone else who is interested to take a 10-minute walk in the morning and the afternoon to ensure we take that time out to help with everyone’s wellbeing. Yvonne is well liked and respected within the department and a credit to the Trust.”
We reached out to Yvonne to let her know she had been nominated and to ask her what her favourite things about her heritage was, here’s what she said:
“It’s been lovely to be nominated for the staff shoutout as part of Black History Month and quite a surprise. Both of my parents are from Jamaica, I am Birmingham born, I love the city and love my heritage even more. My heritage is very special to me from the values that have been instilled within me, the cultural traditions, the food the music, the people and humour… I could go on. The influence that Jamaica has on the world is phenomenal and I am so so very proud of that.”
Published: 2 October 2023
