This October, we proudly celebrate Black History Month 2025, embracing the powerful theme: Standing Firm in Power and Pride. This month is not only a time for reflection and recognition - it is a vibrant celebration of culture, resilience, and the unwavering contributions of our colleagues and communities.
Throughout October, our organisation will come alive with events that celebrate identity, raise awareness, and inspire action:
- Nigerian Independence Day will kick off the month with a celebration of Nigerian culture, music, and heritage.
- Our Vu restaurant will feature themed menus from diverse cultures.
- Art exhibitions will showcase the creativity of our staff and the powerful work of Black Mothers Matter, displayed in our library gallery and outside the Vu.
- Live music performances will bring joy across our hospital sites and clinical spaces.
We are also committed to raising awareness around critical issues affecting our communities:
- On World Mental Health Day, we will host a webinar on Understanding Racial Trauma and Wellbeing, alongside a Schwartz Round focused on the experiences of colleagues from Global Majority backgrounds.
- We welcome Aisha Thomas and Kate Baines, co-creators of the Black Maternity Matters programme, for a candid discussion on anti-racism and their impactful work with NBT.
- We will screen the moving story of Louise Ndibwirende, a TEDx speaker and filmmaker, whose documentary called “Speak Little One”, spotlights the lived experience of adoptees, rebuilding home, and the challenging journey to finding peace.
- And Tyrell BX, the visionary founder and Managing Director of BXCELLENCE CIC, a multi-award-winning Community Interest Company that transforms lived experience into powerful mentoring opportunities will talk with our staff about bridging the gap between professional services and authentic peer support.
At the heart of our celebrations is a deep commitment to recognising and uplifting our people. Throughout the month, we are spotlighting staff stories, sharing experiences from the ‘Yes We Can’ programme and the ‘Commitment to our Community’ recruitment pathway, and celebrate the diverse voices that make our organisation thrive.
You can read our staff stories here.
Aaron Agyekum, Registered Nurse
Aaron works in a fast-paced ward where patients are typically discharged within three to five days. He thrives in this environment, appreciating the opportunity to meet and care for a diverse range of individuals. The dynamic nature of the ward, with its variety of medical specialities and presentations, keeps him engaged and continuously learning.
A key factor in Aaron’s satisfaction at work is the support he receives from his ward manager. Feeling supported both personally and professionally has helped him grow in confidence and capability. He values the challenges and opportunities that come with working in such a dynamic setting.
To succeed in his role, Aaron believes certain qualities are essential: flexibility, teamwork, strong leadership, and a commitment to compassionate, respectful care. He is dedicated to upholding the values of the NBT Trust and maintaining up-to-date training and knowledge. With over 11 years of experience, Aaron has developed the skills needed to navigate complex healthcare environments.
However, his journey has not been without obstacles. He has previously shared the challenges he has faced, including limited career progression opportunities at NBT and experiences of unfair or inappropriate feedback. Aaron has also encountered difficulties during job interviews, particularly around how his dyslexia is considered.
When reflecting on the role of race in his career progression, Aaron is uncertain but acknowledges that it may have played a part. He is aware of statistics suggesting that men often progress more quickly in their careers, but this hasn’t been his experience. He believes race has significantly influenced his career and contributed to experiences of discrimination.
Aaron offers practical advice for others seeking career progression: visit the area you’re applying to, introduce yourself, and learn about the organisational culture. Understanding what’s working well and what needs improvement can provide valuable insight and help build meaningful connections.
Alphie Swift – Sister
Alphie Swift, originally from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, moved to England in 2002 and was deeply inspired by the kindness and culture she encountered. Her healthcare career began in 2007 as a healthcare assistant in a nursing home, where she discovered a passion for caring and making a difference in people’s lives. She later joined UBHW, working alongside nurses who motivated her to pursue nursing professionally.
With her manager’s support, Alphie completed an Assistant Practitioner course in 2018 and took on a Band 4 role at NBT in Interventional Radiology. Despite setbacks in securing a nursing apprenticeship, she self-funded her BSc in Adult Nursing at UWE through a student loan, demonstrating resilience and determination. She qualified as a Registered Nurse in 2023 and worked in Hyper Acute Stroke for 18 months before successfully applying for a Band 6 Sister role in Complex Care, where she has thrived for the past six months.
Alphie’s dedication was recognised when she won the PIMMS award in June for Positive Incident Management. She continues to pursue professional development, having completed a Master’s module in Stroke Care and aiming to progress to full Master’s level.
Her decision to move into Complex Care was driven by a desire for career growth. Alphie believes that essential qualities for her role include communication, teamwork, kindness, and support. She has faced and overcome implicit biases and challenges, particularly during her student nurse training, where she experienced racial discrimination and lack of support. These experiences have shaped her commitment to mentoring and uplifting BAME students.
Alphie credits her mentor, Sister Reni John from 34B, for shaping her leadership style. Her advice for others pursuing career progression is simple: “Be yourself and do your best.” She acknowledges the rarity of Black sisters in NBT and is proud to be paving the way for others.
Nat Eke-Onyekuru, Team Lead at ICNARC
Nat Eke-Onyekuru is a Team Lead at ICNARC with over 11 years of NHS experience, primarily in intensive care nursing. For the past five years, Nat has worked within the ICNARC team, focusing on clinical data analysis, audit, and quality improvement. In the last year, she has taken on a leadership role, supporting and overseeing the team’s work.
Nat chose this field due to her strong attention to detail and her ability to combine clinical expertise with analytical thinking. Her unique skill set enables her to interpret data effectively and provide practical insights grounded in clinical relevance.
Key qualities essential to her role include analytical thinking, mindfulness, clinical understanding, leadership, team development, effective communication, and a commitment to quality improvement.
Transitioning from a clinical role to a data-driven environment was a significant challenge Nat overcame through dedication and continuous learning. She also successfully led her team through periods of staff shortages and increased audit demands, demonstrating adaptability and strong critical thinking.
While Nat believes her career progression has been shaped by her skills and values rather than her race, she acknowledges that, as a Black woman in healthcare, she has occasionally encountered subtle barriers. These experiences have strengthened her resilience and deepened her commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.
Her role models are her parents, whose perseverance and work ethic as immigrants continue to inspire her approach to professional challenges. Nat advises others to prepare thoroughly for interviews, reflect on their strengths and values, remain confident and authentic, and seek feedback and mentorship to support career growth.
Edward Mabgwe's story