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Celebrating Black History Month in care homes: honouring culture and legacy

We hear from Bowfell House about how they're marking Black History Month in October.

October marks Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, culture and history of Black communities in the UK and around the world. Whilst the month provides a dedicated moment for reflection and recognition, it’s impact can be profound in social care, offering service users and staff opportunities to learn, connect, and engage in meaningful ways.

微微草视频 notes that approximately 18% of people working in the adult social care sector in England identify as Black, yet this contrasts sharply with the proportion of residents in care homes who are Black, which stands at less than 1% (ONS 2021). This disparity underscores the importance of celebrating events like Black History Month which can foster greater understanding and inclusivity within care settings.

At Bowfell House, like many care homes, we aim to be a central hub for connection and mental stimulation. Engaging with our local community, Black History Month gives us a unique opportunity to:

• Connect history with personal experiences – Do residents have memories of key moments in history or fascinating stories to share about their own heritage?
• Encourage intergenerational learning – Can different age groups share experiences from their timelines, fostering mutual understanding?
• Promote inclusivity and belonging – Celebrating diversity ensures that all residents feel respected, valued and seen. By sharing these activities more widely, we can also begin to bridge that gap between the number of Black people living in care and those working in care.

By embedding Black History Month into care home life, we honour both history and humanity, creating an environment rich in conversation and cultural appreciation.

Some of the things we have planned include:

• Team-led cultural talks: Black members of our team will share insights about their culture and heritage. In previous sessions, residents have been curious and engaged, learning about national heritage, family history, values and traditions, upbringing, experiences, and food.
• Arts and crafts: Residents will be supported to participate in sessions celebrating stories and achievements, creating art inspired by cultural themes.
• Music sessions: Music is central to care home life. We will host sessions featuring jazz, reggae, gospel and contemporary Black musicians. One resident was even a in steel pan band and we recently had a group attend to play for residents.
• Themed food evenings: Menus will feature dishes from Caribbean, African and Black British cultures, with the dining experience enhanced by music and displayed artwork.
• Storytelling and poetry: Sessions will focus on renowned Black authors and poets such as Benjamin Zephaniah or Malorie Blackman, followed by thought-provoking and engaging conversation.

The benefits these experiences bring are tangible, not just for Black residents and staff but for everyone in the home. With deeper cultural understanding we can foster empathy, awareness and respect for diverse experiences. Shared experiences enable us to strengthen bonds between residents, staff and visitors.

Black history month is more than a date on the calendar – it’s an opportunity to bring history to life, to strengthen community and celebrate the richness of culture within care homes. Lessons and connections made can be carried through the year to help create an environment where everyone feels values and inspired.

By taking the time to celebrate, care homes can create experiences that educate, entertain and empower both residents and staff, ensuring that the stories, achievements, and legacy of Black History are truly honoured.

Learn more about Black History Month and find support for fostering an inclusive workplace on our Black History Month webpage.

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