BWC proudly launches See ME First campaign
Here at BWC, we are proud to have adopted the See ME First campaign - a commitment to being anti-racist and anti-discriminative.
Launched across our Trust during Race Equality Week (7 - 13 February), the initiative is championed by our GUARDIANS staff network and involves wearing a badge to signify to patients, families and colleagues they can offer anti-discrimination support when needed.
The See ME First campaign first began at Whittington Health NHS Trust in October 2020. The wearing of the badge sends a message to all that we belong to an inclusive and diverse, open, and non-judgemental NHS organisation that treats all staff with dignity and respect; that it's okay to see skin colour as part of a person’s identity, but that people, in the words of Dr Martin Luther King Jr, ‘should not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character’.
Colleagues across BWC have committed to wearing a See ME First Badge by pledging how they will take steps to stop accepting inappropriate behaviour, to speak up and encourage others to do the same and that they are happy to signpost others to information and support.
Waheeda Rahman, Inclusion Facilitator and Chair of the GUARDIANS Staff Network said: “We are proud to launch the See ME First Campaign as part of the BWC GUARDIANS Network.
“The badge is a strong visual way to highlight to the importance of being an anti-racist and anti-discriminatory organisation.
“We are encouraging our colleagues to become See ME First champions to help improve patients, family and staff experiences.”
Ruth Wall, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, added: “I’m delighted to support our staff networks to introduce the See Me First campaign here at BWC.
“Our organisation is committed to improving the experience of patients, families and staff from all communities and supporting and encouraging staff to bring their whole self to work and be seen as the great, diverse and skilled individuals they are will only support this.
“I encourage colleagues to actively seek understanding of this campaign and wear their badge with purpose and pride to show their commitment of being anti-racism and anti-discriminatory.”
Patients and families who wish to discuss equality and diversity, have questions or worries about situations they are experiencing or want to be directed to help and support can approach staff wearing a See ME First badge for a confidential chat.