Today we are shining a light on Abbda (Abby) Khanim, Administrator, who was nominated by Gobinderjit Kaur.

Gobinderjit said:  

“Abby is an approachable, friendly and kind person on reception that welcomes our service users very warmly and manages difficulties in the waiting area in a compassionate and empathetic way.”  

Abby was asked about her heritage and what is means to her. She said:  

“I have worked with the NHS since 2012, I started off at the Drugs Alcohol team and then joined the Birmingham Mental Health team in 2015 as an Administrator.

“I was born and raised in the UK with three sisters and two brothers, so a big family that had its good and bad points. My parents did not speak much English, so I was bilingual, learning to speak English and Punjabi at home.  

“Since becoming a mum to my five-year-old daughter Sophia, motherhood as really changed me and my life, it is only recently that I feel much happier within and very proud to be different. It has its benefits too as I always tell my daughter that we get the best of both worlds with double the number of celebrations – celebrating all the Hindu and Christian festivals. Before this as I was growing up, I would often shy away from talking about my culture.  

“Being more open about my life has really highlighted the importance of understanding and celebrating what makes us different and what makes us so similar. As a result, I ensure I’m always available to read or listen to different people’s viewpoint, their life experiences, so that I can obtain someone else’s perspective.  

“This education is so important and allows us to understand one another better. For me, it takes me back to my childhood. Growing up in the UK and a child of immigrant parents, my story echoes so many others of South Asian descent.”  

I ensure I’m always available to read or listen to different people’s viewpoint, their life experiences, so that I can obtain someone else’s perspective.