Celebrating Black History Month in the South West 2026
Join the South West Finance Academy in raising awareness and understanding of Black History Month UK 2026.
This year’s Black History Month theme, Honouring Our Communities, feels especially meaningful for those working across the NHS. Every day, our health service is strengthened by the diverse communities we serve and by the contributions of colleagues from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds who support patients, services and organisations across the country.
Within NHS finance, community is at the heart of what we do. Whether we’re working within local teams, supporting regional collaboration, or helping services deliver the best possible care, our success depends on people coming together, sharing knowledge and supporting one another. Black History Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate those contributions, recognise the achievements of Black colleagues past and present, and reflect on how we can continue building workplaces where everyone feels valued and able to thrive.
Throughout October, the South West Finance Academy will be sharing resources, stories and opportunities for learning and reflection. We encourage everyone to take part, learn from one another, and celebrate the individuals and communities who make such a positive difference across NHS finance and the wider NHS.
Black History Month 2026
Review the resources, events, and news posted directly by the Black History Month organisation.
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Resources
Royal Cornwall Hospital NHS Trust
The Cornwall NHS Ethnic Minority Group are putting on an event to honour BHM, taking place on Thursday 15th October. This day will feature talks and delicious food, honour four different cuisines from across the world. Take inspiration from their event!
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NHS Race and Health Observatory Reports
The work of the NHS Race and Health Observatory is not just to highlight the scale of the challenge on ethnic inequalities in health and healthcare, but to also provide real world solutions to those challenges. These annual reports detail the NHS’s Race and Health Observatory strategic priorities, outline where they’re making an impact, and point towards ambitions for the future.
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Black History Month features: Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
Read stories from colleagues at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and about how their work embodies this year’s theme.
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Book recommendation!
Anti-Racist Ally: An introduction to action and activism is a pocket-sized guide written by Sophie Williams. It touches on allyship, facing uncomfortable truthers, and modern-day racism.
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Bristol Bus Boycott
This video examines the Bristol Bus Boycott of 1963 and how a local protest became a turning point in the fight against racial discrimination in Britain.
watch the video here
NHS workforce race equality standard
The NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) is an essential tool in supporting the NHS to be an inclusive and fair workplace. It helps evaluate progress and identify areas where further improvement is needed. They publish an annual report.
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Podcast Recommendation: Black History Buff
Discover bite-sized stories from Black History around the world.
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National BAME Health & Care Awards
Explore the 2026 Shortlist for the National B.A.M.E Health & Care awards. Explore the people, teams and organisations shortlisted for their contribution to equity, inclusion and outstanding care.
Find out moreOpportunities for Black and Ethnic Minority Colleagues in the South West
Sponsorship Programme
The NHS finance Sponsorship Programme provides career support to high potential finance staff who are from the groups under-represented at all levels within NHS finance. This includes individuals of ethnic minorities, and other groups too.
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Inclusion and Diversity Ambassadors
Join the South West’s Inclusion and Diversity Ambassador network and help make a difference in our region. Be sure to select South West as your region to receive the relevant communications and opportunities.
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One NHS Finance resources
View the One NHS Finance Resources, programmes, and upcoming events in this page.
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