National Inclusion Week
We’re so excited! In just a couple of weeks’ time, it’ll be National Inclusion Week (26 September to 2 October) and we’ll be keen and active participants! (Actually, we will be going on a little past the official dates because we’ve got so much on – see below!)
Our lovely IT team is creating a dedicated area on the Hub which will contain all the resources, suggestions and support you need to join in what we hope will be a fun and interesting week. Check it out from 19 September!
Each day of Inclusion Week has its own theme, aimed at developing a broader understanding and awareness of inclusion and diversity in the workplace and our own lives. Please don’t forget that National Inclusion Week is a safe space. Participation is voluntary and confidentiality is important, so please check before you share something publicly about someone! Here are some of the things we have planned:
Two of our trustees, Aquilla Lindo-Cozella and Nancy Scott, will be sharing a conversation about their journeys, so don’t forget to check out the link on Workplace on the day. In addition, there will be resources available on the Hub to support you in sharing something about yourself if you choose. Speak to your manager to see what they have planned to mark the day!
Why not set up a lunch huddle with your team, or connect with someone you don’t normally work closely with and have a coffee? Don’t forget to include those who work part time or who are on night shifts!
Gemma Bukel and her team have some exciting things planned for this day – keep your eyes peeled for all the latest information!
In addition, head over to the Hub to find a selection of newly designed P-Cards and tweet sheets to help you say thank you to your colleagues, or maybe try the Feeling Included exercise on the Hub to start a conversation about inclusion with your team.
This is also the day we will be saying “Thanks a brunch!”
At Head Office we plan to cook up some bacon, sausage and Quorn butties, so why not do the same? Or you could have some breakfast snacks like muffins or croissants and provide a time for everyone to get together.
Day 4 is about looking at how diverse our own networks are, both in and out of work. There are activities available on the Hub to help you and Ben Hunter will be sharing some thoughts on what a diverse network means to him.
Challenge yourself with the quick Inclusion Quiz available on the Hub or try learning about something new with some of the resources National Inclusion Week have recommended. Rosie Matthews will also be sharing a conversation about how the power of knowledge has informed some of our processes with one of the people we work alongside.
Check out the Hub for resources and suggestions for today and look out for a blog from Sarah Bartlett on what the Power of Partnership means to her.
Look out for a pledge today from P3 about our commitment to inclusion going forwards, and take a moment to think about your experiences in National Inclusion Week. Will you do anything differently? How has the week made you feel? There is a group exercise on the Hub you and your team might want to complete. If you would like to, you can complete the Inclusion Survey as well to give us some valuable feedback on how included you feel as part of P3.
If you have any queries or suggestions before the week starts, just let me know!
Zoe Pickering
HR Business Partner
£1460 Grant for Wellbeing at Ilkeston Hub
Meanwhile, some great news means the Ilkeston Hub can now improve its own inclusivity. Thanks to a successful application by Development Manager Tory Webberley, the East Midlands Airport (EMA) Community Fund has given a grant of £1460 towards the cost of equipment for the Hub’s wellbeing groups.
Tory explained in the application that the Ilkeston Hub is “a safe place where local people can access support for mental health, homelessness, tenancy issues, employment and health and wellbeing activities”, where people can have one-to-one or group sessions.
She told the committee that the Hub’s activities include a breakfast club, support with food parcels, a walking group, ‘Talking Together’ gatherings and new ‘Stress Busters’ wellbeing sessions, which were set up based on feedback from people the Hub works alongside.
“P3 staff provide a warm welcome to people that access the Hub and its services,” Tory wrote in the application.
“We would, however, like to make improvements to the internal environment to make it more comfortable and appealing to local people.”
She then explained that the funding would be used for comfortable seats and privacy screens so that people at the Hub would feel more at ease, walking aids for people with limited mobility who wanted to join the walking group and yoga mats for the wellbeing sessions. The Hub also plans to purchase three large beanbags and a coffee table.
“This is really good for our Safe to be You room, which is a wellbeing space for people we work alongside and staff as well,” said Service Manager Ann-Marie Humphries.
“That’s where we hold activities such as yoga, Stress Busters and so on. It’s a space where people can feel safe to be themselves; I’m particularly aware of that need for LGBTQ+ people, but it is for everyone.
“It’s also great that we’ll be able to have more people join our walking group since we’ll have aids for people who need them.
“It’s about constant improvement. Comfy chairs and screens for privacy will make people feel safe and welcome, and that’s what we want.”
The cost for everything, including delivery charge, came to the £1460 that the Committee has granted.
Brilliant news for the Hub and people in Ilkeston who will undoubtedly benefit from all this. Thank you, Tory – what a star you are!
Pride in Gloucestershire
The blog originally had a story about Pride in Gloucestershire, whose annual Pride event and march were due to take place tomorrow (Saturday 10 September). They have since been cancelled as a mark of respect to the Queen. To find out more about Pride in Gloucestershire and its other activities, click here.
Conference is coming! Save the date and watch this space for further details…
