We are working with NHS charities up and down the UK to improve the health and wellness of NHS staff and reduce inequalities in the workforce.

Thanks to a grant from NHS Charities Together, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Charity was able to bring Tahliah on board in March 2021 as a BAME Community Engagement Advisor for 12 months.

Tahliah joined the Wellbeing Team to provide colleagues from ethnic minority backgrounds with dedicated first line support for those who need someone to talk to or are struggling with their wellbeing.

She also set up safe spaces and communication channels to reduce feelings of isolation and create opportunities to open up.

Tahliah’s role at the Trust was so impactful that the charity then funded her role for an additional 6 months so that she could continue supporting her colleagues.

During this additional time, Tahliah set up Race Equality Network (REN) meetings to discuss how to make the Trust a better place to work. She also uses these sessions as an opportunity to signpost to useful resources that she is aware of within the community.

She has also reintroduced a mentoring programme for both mentors and mentees from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds to provide each other with development opportunities, as well as offer advice on career progression.

Feedback from other members of staff at the Trust shows how valuable Tahliah’s work has been.

Paula Gladwell, Inclusion and OD Manger, said:

“Tahliah has made a difference to our BAME staff and communities by being a single consistent point of contact. She has been able to build relationships and earn the trust of colleagues who have previously felt that their voice and concerns have not been heard or acted upon.”

Errol Brown, CHS Procurement Category Manager & BAME Network Chair, said:

“I have worked closely with Tahliah on various projects and her growth and professionalism has been inspiring to see. Tahliah is always polite, uses her own initiative and judgement on the work she carries out and has been a fantastic support to myself and many other colleagues.”

Looking forward

During her time in the role, Tahliah has been a great support to many colleagues, providing them with someone to speak to and supporting them with any concerns they might have had.

Whilst Tahliah’s time with Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust will soon be coming to an end, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Charity will continue to work with colleagues at the Trust to ensure this support for staff continues, as well as implement new ideas that make the Trust a better place to work for everyone.