Celebrating Black History Month at Princess Alice Hospice

The theme of this year’s BHM has been ‘Building Futures from the Past and Standing Firm in Power and Pride’, in honour of the legacy of people who spoke up.

Throughout the month, we’ve been running activities and drop-in sessions to share fantastic resources and information with colleagues.

Each week, we’ve held ‘bitesize’ drop-in sessions for colleagues, sharing the excellent resources we received from Race Equality Matters earlier this year. The sessions have allowed colleagues to share experiences, reflect and learn more about intersectionality, recognising privilege, inclusive language and code switching.

BHM logo We’ve shared books from our Library, enjoyed favourite recipes in our dining hall, and displayed posters of inspiring figures, past and present, across all walks of life. Our Princess Alice Hospice podcast series, Belonging and Beyond, featured an episode called Black Icons and Influence, and discussed the impact of Black icons in our world, the everyday reality of everyday racism, and how these stories connect us to wider conversations about identity, belonging and influence. It also covered racism and racial violence – please do listen with care, you can find the episode where you usually listen to your podcasts.

Earlier this week we were delighted to host Dorcas Gwata, an award-winning frontline Mental Health Nurse, Global Health Consultant, and Executive Ubuntu Coach – for an inspiring conversation on truth, justice, anti-racism, and inclusion. Dorcas’s career spans health, social justice, and leadership development. She has pioneered trauma-informed care for young people affected by violence in London, strengthened global health partnerships between the UK and Zimbabwe, and been recognised as one of the 100 Most Influential BAME Leaders in the NHS. Her work is grounded in the African philosophy of Ubuntu – “I am because we are” – and she brings a powerful vision for inclusive, equitable communities.

On 22 October, a group of colleagues attended a live Tea Break event online, joining organisations across the country for a one-hour facilitated online discussion about race equality issues. The topic was ‘microaggressions vs banter’, but Tea Breaks can cover anything from white privilege or use of language to a news-related subject, such as the racist abuse of England footballers during the 2022 World Cup. Held on a platform such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom, participants can choose to remain anonymous, listen to others or play an active role in the conversation. This means people are free to express their thoughts in a safe space where they can speak honestly.

The first Tea Break was conceived by Network Rail, and designed to reach out to their colleagues, show support, engage, and provide an outlet to discuss lived experiences and feelings on topics including coping mechanisms, grief and mental health following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

Celebrating October’s Black History Month is part of our firm commitment to creating an inclusive culture where everybody feels they belong and supports our work on becoming an anti-racism organisation.

Alain Bakas

We will never be able to thank the team at Princess Alice Hospice enough for the love, care, dignity, and compassion they showed our papa and our whole family. They cared for my papa for a month, and then welcomed him back again for his final 8 days before he passed on 3rd April 2026. Every single member of staff became like family to us during the hardest time of our lives. Their kindness, patience, support, and genuine compassion will stay in our hearts and minds forever. They not only cared for our papa with dignity and respect, but they also supported all of us emotionally every step of the way. We are so grateful for everything they did for our papa and for the comfort they brought him in his final days. Thank you again to the entire team for the incredible work you do every day. You are truly special people, and we will never forget you.

Darek Kubik

The shop in Claygate on Parade is well run and stocked place. The manager Mrs Roheana is helpful and friendly person...well done

Nicola Jeebaun

So grateful for the kind and caring team at Easher. They supported us so much while spending our last days with mum Will always be grateful From the Greenaway family

Stephen Nicholson

I'm deeply grateful for the exceptional care and support provided by Princess Alice Hospice in Esher. Their warm and helpful staff made a significant difference during a difficult time after losing my grandfather to prostate cancer in July 2017. The bereavement team and therapy offered were invaluable in helping me cope with the loss and navigate my grief. I'm thankful for their kindness and dedication. Massive shout out to Lynne my bereavement councillor who was incredible with me, I’ll never forget you.

Jo G

My Mum was there for 3 weeks before she passed away in Nov . The staff and level of care was amazing, she was loved by the staff. They couldn't of done more for her. Myself and my sister were also supported. We donated a large memorial feather in our Mums memory. It's such a shame that most if their funding comes from donations.

Robert Crapnell

1st class care for my wife, I will never forget the care and attention. My will has provsion to say thank you.

Ruby Bhurji

My dad passed away in jan 26th 2005. The staff was amazing. So supportive through our difficult times. They really looked after dad. They always had a smile on their faces. So grateful for everything they did for dad and us. Just want to say a big thank you and keep up with all the hard work you all do.

Rosanna Stech

The call out night service team of Princess Alice were amazing with my Granny in her last few days. She was able to stay in her own home and have their amazing team look after her when we called them. I would like to especially say a big thank you to Camilla who was always so cheerful, professional and put us at ease when we really needed it. She would remember our family members names despite being called out to a number of houses every evening and was always a reassuring voice when she answered the phone. She made a real difference to my Granny’s end of life and I wouldn’t have wanted her to be under any other care. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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Celebrating Black History Month at Princess Alice Hospice

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