THE diverse workforce within Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust celebrated its global workforce with a special conference for Black History Month.

With a theme of “Honouring Our Communities,” the event was organised by biomedical scientist Sandra Ojok Mitchelmore, who is Ugandan by birth and came to Cornwall 14 years ago. “I married a Cornishman who didn’t want to leave – and I can see why, because it is beautiful here,” she said. “I stayed, and we have a son who is nine years old.

“But back then, I was the only person of colour in my department. I had left all my support behind, and it was hard. I felt isolated, sad and alone, and that can affect your mental health. For a while, I was waiting for someone to rescue me, until I realised I needed to be the change I wanted to see.”

Sandra launched the charity Calabash-Bridge, with the aim that no one who moves to Cornwall to care for others should have to find their feet alone, whether in friendship, faith or other matters.

“It started five years ago with five friends who supported me,” she explained. “Through that time, I have seen hundreds of staff – some just for a season, while others have stayed and thrived.

“There has been an influx of recruitment from the global majority, from the lowest banding to consultant level. That’s a wealth of good, professional currency from across the world, who look after patients and keep us alive in one way or another.

“We aim to cultivate a culture of integration for like-minded people – and we facilitate opportunities for them to learn more about Cornwall and its history.”

Speakers included Cornwall-based Malawian nurse Charity Gladstone MBE, haematology consultant Michelle Furtado and Sisi Mustefa of Ethio Queen Braids & Beauty salon. Delicious African food was served by the Cornwall Women of Colour Collective.

In the audience was Redruth town councillor Ellie Allen, representing Inspiring Women’s Network. “I have been in Cornwall 40 years, since I was seven years old,” she said. “It’s like I’ve always been here, so it has been interesting to hear the perspective of people who are new to the Duchy, and even the country. It’s about looking at commonality, and finding ways of bridging the gap, rather than being divisive.”

Joyte Brown, chief executive of Black Voices Cornwall, said: “It has been a really positive and moving day. It’s wonderful to see the hospital supporting the diverse community, empowering Sandra to do this work to help people feel respected, safe and seen.”