• Celebrations
  • Our community

The day was opened by Deputy Chief Executive Alex Gild and Head of Inclusion, Organisational Development and Organisational Experience Karla Inniss, who recognised the dedication of our EDI team and the many colleagues and partners who have co-produced initiatives over the past year.

Keynote speaker Hari Sewell encouraged reflection on race-based and intergenerational trauma, exploring how understanding our shared history can help drive change.

The forum brought together a diverse mix of clinical and non-clinical colleagues, community members and partners. We proudly honoured Windrush and Global South NHS pioneers, supported by the Berkshire Healthcare Charity. Retired NHS workers received flowers and thanks from Mayor Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles and Alex Gild. Their stories, captured by Errol Masters (ACRE) and brought to life through artwork by Joseph Silvanos Wafula, will feature in a permanent art display within the organisation. A short film teaser celebrating their experiences was also unveiled.

Updates were shared on our Faith Project, including new multifaith leaflets, badges and e-learning now available for staff, students and carers. Yvonne Mhlanga presented on Advanced Choices in Mental Health Support, while TRIYBE discussed community-led research into the potential health impacts of chemicals found in some Black hair-care products.

Professor Adetoro Adegoke from Buckinghamshire New University introduced the Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boater Pledge, and we gave an update about our Skin Tone Bias Assessment Tool for clinical teams.

The event also showcased the final draft of the Self-Advocacy, Cultural Competence and Allyship Guide, co-produced through our Black History Month events, Women’s Network, Racial Disparities event and Trust Managers & Leadership Forum.

The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles, said “I am honoured as Mayor of Reading, Senior Research Fellow for Communities at the University of Reading, to celebrate Global South and Windrush unsung heroes who are constantly working and engaging with many of the things in Reading Town and beyond.  Despite all the challenges they have faced, they continue to strive to do better, care and give warmth to others.”

The day reflected our shared purpose: learning from lived experience, recognising progress, and staying focused on action that makes a difference for staff, patients and communities.

With thanks

We would like to thank everyone who made this year’s Anti-Racism CommUNITY Forum possible.

Our sincere thanks to all our speakers and facilitators: Hari Sewell, Professor Adetoro Adegoke, Yvonne Mhlanga, Margaret Rioga, Karla Ennis, Alex Gild, Joseph Sylvanus Wafula, Errol Masters (ACRE), Tomson Chauke (World Groove), Claudette Maharaj and Tyler from TRIYBE Collective and Mayor Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles. We also thank the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team for their organisation, support and coordination throughout.

A special acknowledgement goes to our Windrush and Global South Healthcare Pioneers and their families, who shared their personal stories and experiences: Geneive Ademuyiwa, Adrianne Lowe on behalf of Ianthe Chaitoo, Maria Potter, Ornell Mapp, Gloria Jack, Everett Marshall, Theresa Auguste, and Ashley Inniss who spoke on behalf of Olga Inniss. Their voices and histories continue to inspire and shape our collective learning.

We also extend our thanks to the organisations and individuals who joined the forum, representing a wide range of communities, interests and partnerships:

  • ACRE/CRHTT Project and We Men;
  • Afro-Caribbean Heritage Society (Thames Valley);
  • Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality (ACRE);
  • BOB ICB;
  • Berkshire Healthcare Charity;
  • Berkshire Women’s Aid;
  • Bracknell Forest Council;
  • CAMHS West SCT;
  • Diocese of Oxford;
  • Every Little Thing Festival;
  • Race Equity Network, University of Reading;
  • Healthwatch;
  • JMIC Slough;
  • MHIC Churchill House;
  • North Hampshire Urgent Care;
  • North Middlesex Hospital;
  • Office of Peter Swallow MP for Bracknell;
  • Phyllis Tuckwell;
  • Project Salama;
  • Reading Borough Council;
  • Refugee Support Group;
  • Royal Berkshire Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership;
  • Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead;
  • Samar Collective;
  • Shhh... Menopause Wellness and Soar With Us Self-Defence;
  • Slough Borough Council;
  • Slough Council for Voluntary Service;
  • students from the University of West London;
  • University of Reading;
  • Utulivu Women’s Group;
  • Younger People with Dementia CIO.

Finally, thank you to every attendee who came with curiosity, compassion and commitment to change. Whether joining as an individual, community representative or organisational partner, your presence made this year’s forum a true reflection of shared action and collective voice.