We continue to work with our colleagues to promote a railway inclusive for all, including marking Black History Month and White Ribbon Day. 

Celebrating Black History month with our colleagues 

Avanti Colleagues up and down the West Coast celebrated Black History Month in October, with more than 300 people in attendance. It was the 5th anniversary of colleagues celebrating Black History and culture. At London Euston, we hosted a range of health and wellbeing specialists, with two NHS sickle cell specialists, Mary and Paula, who discussed sickle cell and thalassaemia and the impact of being a ‘trait’ carrier and support for those will the illness. Our guest mental health speaker, Leon Berry, from A Safe Place 2 Talk, highlighted the importance of mental wellbeing. We also hosted a Unity on Tracks celebration for colleagues at Birmingham New Street, with the focus on ‘Reclaiming our narratives’, the event highlighted key figures across black Britain who have helped shape the country post-WW2. You can read Avanti colleague Camille Parchment reflections on organising her Caribbean themed event here.

Marking White Ribbon Day

We will also be marking White Ribbon Day with our colleagues coming together to sing Katy Perry’s ‘Roar’ at Birmingham New Street on the morning of Monday 25 November in support of the campaign. White Ribbon UK works to prevent men’s violence against women and girls, even before it even starts. This year’s theme ‘it starts with men’, focuses on enabling men and boys to be changemakers and ambassadors for the campaign to end violence against women and girls, and we are pleased our colleagues will be contributing to raising awareness.