Honouring our communities for Black History Month 2026
This month (October) is Black History Month 2026, and this year’s theme is “Honouring Our Communities,” recognising the people and places that sustain Black life across Britain.
Black history is not limited to famous individuals or historic milestones, it is also shaped through everyday acts of care, leadership, creativity and service.
Black History Month is a time for reflection, recognition, celebration and action. But it should not be performative or limited to October. Activities should be inclusive, respectful and underpinned by practical commitments.
Celebrating diversity and addressing inequalities
Black communities are not a single group with one shared experience. People’s experiences are shaped by gender, disability, faith, age, class, sexuality, migration history, caring responsibilities and other aspects of identity.
Within the NHS, our greatest asset is our workforce. We rely on staff of all backgrounds, cultures and nationalities to provide life-saving and life-changing care every day, and are all the richer for this. Equally, it is the diversity within our Greater Manchester communities that connects us, having profoundly shaped and sustained our vibrant cultural landscape and strong sense of shared resilience.
It is also important to recognise that within our communities, and across the UK, prejudice, discrimination and racism still exist. And it is well established that across the NHS, those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds experience inequalities.
At GMMH, we have heard the powerful testimonies of our service users, carers, and staff who have experienced this first-hand, and we are committed to becoming a safe, inclusive and anti-racist organisation.
Across Black History Month, we will be using our platform to amplify the lived experiences of our colleagues, service users, carers and communities; shining a light on their vital contributions; and highlighting how, together, we are taking action everyday to drive real and meaningful change.
Officially kicking off our Black History Month calendar is today’s Patient & Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF) Community Event. The event brings together our PCREF leads with people who have lived experience of racial inequalities to connect, share experiences, and take action to shape fairer access, experiences and outcomes in mental health services.
Today's PCREF community event at St Thomas Centre, Manchester.
We will share an update from this event, and the many other activities taking place, in due course.
Make sure to keep an eye on our channels for a range information, resources and stories. And don’t forget to tag us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn to share how you are taking part!
