We are placing customers and communities at the heart of our Black History Month celebrations this October.

Led by our Cultural Excellence and Afro Caribbean Equality Group - or CE & ACEG - this year's programme has the theme of Honouring Our Communities and will celebrate the stories, cultures, achievements and experiences that strengthen communities across the Midlands.

The centrepiece will be a celebration at our Birmingham Business Park and Worcester offices on Tuesday 13 October from 11.00am until 2.00pm, bringing together colleagues, customers and community voices.

The programme will include:

• A Customer Voice Spotlight;
• A Community Story Showcase;
• A conversation with Board Member Maame-Yaa Bempah - Independent Group Audit and Risk Committee Member - about leadership, opportunity and community;
• Recognition of colleague achievement and progression;
• Food, networking and cultural celebration.

Black History Month activities will also take place throughout October at Meadow Court in Worcester, Rose Gardens and Cathedral Park in Hereford, Clarence Park in Malvern and Malvern Foyer.

Customers and colleagues at the schemes will be invited to participate in storytelling, cultural celebrations, cooking activities and other opportunities to connect with their communities.

Jeannysse Biyoghe, who represents our Cultural Excellence and Afro Caribbean Equality Group said: "Our communities are rich with stories, traditions, experiences and achievements which deserve to be recognised and celebrated.

"Black History Month gives us an important opportunity to listen, learn and create space for people to share what matters to them. A story does not have to be dramatic to be meaningful, it might be a cherished family tradition, somebody who has inspired you or a personal milestone of which you are proud.

"We hope Honouring Our Communities will create moments of pride, learning and connection for our customers and colleagues throughout October."

Customers can contribute to the celebrations through Platform Voices, our online customer engagement community.

They are being invited to share a story, celebrate somebody who inspires them or talk about a family tradition or proud personal achievement. Customers do not need any previous experience and can indicate what support would help them participate in a way that feels comfortable.

The first 15 eligible customers who submit a story will each receive £20. One reward is available per customer, subject to verification. Customers will need to register with Platform Voices before taking part.

Tom Piotrowski, our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager said: "Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the past while also recognising the people, achievements and community connections that continue to shape Platform today.

"The theme of Honouring Our Communities reflects our commitment to ensuring customers and colleagues are not simply part of the audience but are at the heart of the celebrations.

"By listening to people's experiences and celebrating the diversity within our organisation and neighbourhoods, we can strengthen understanding, increase representation and help create communities where everyone feels valued and able to belong."

Customers can find out more, register with Platform Voices and take part at :

https://voices.platformhg.com/celebrating-black-history-month

More information about Black History Month is available at:

https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/

Photo caption : Colleagues came together to celebrate last year's Black History Month