Black History Month provides an important opportunity to celebrate the people, cultures and histories that enrich our communities, while also reflecting on the work still needed to ensure everyone feels safe, valued and included. At Princess Alice Hospice, our commitment to providing compassionate care for everybody in our community is at the heart of everything we do, and that means creating an environment where everyone knows they are welcome and that they belong.

Honouring Our Communities

Throughout October, we’ve been marking Black History Month 2026, embracing this year’s theme, ‘Honouring Our Communities’. The theme recognises the individuals whose contributions shape everyday life, often without recognition, and celebrates the strength, resilience and achievements of Black communities in the UK and around the world.
Black History Month provides an opportunity to celebrate rich histories and cultures, but also to learn together, listen to different perspectives and continue building a more inclusive workplace and community.

Throughout the month, we’ve been sharing educational resources with colleagues, including videos, podcasts and book recommendations, helping us deepen our understanding and appreciation of diverse experiences. Our dining hall has also featured a special themed menu celebrating traditional recipes and flavours.

Why this matters

As a Hospice, we know that belonging is about more than awareness. It requires action, understanding and a willingness to learn from one another.
Alongside celebrating Black History Month, we continue our wider work to engage with underrepresented communities and ensure our care is inclusive, accessible and shaped by the people we serve.

Research shows there can still be significant barriers to healthcare for people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds. Some studies have highlighted misconceptions around palliative care, with many people believing it involves interventions designed to shorten life rather than improve quality of life. Other research has revealed disparities in access to pain management for people with advanced cancer from different ethnic groups.
These findings can be difficult to read, but they underline the importance of building trust, increasing understanding and ensuring that our care is inclusive and equitable for everyone.

Continuing the conversation

Earlier this year, colleagues took part in important conversations during Race Equality Week and through our ongoing anti-racism work. These discussions reminded us that creating an inclusive culture is a shared responsibility.

Black History Month offers another valuable opportunity to be curious, compassionate and open to learning. By celebrating different experiences, listening to one another and challenging assumptions, we can all play a part in creating a culture where everyone feels respected, supported and able to thrive.

At the start of the month, we shared the below video with colleagues about 54 extraordinary people who have shaped our society in many different ways.