Amplifying Voices, Mending Divides

We are committed to confronting inequality and creating an inclusive organisation where all our staff and patients can thrive, no matter their background.

In August 2021 we joined 450 organisations across the region in committing to Root Out Racism.

Part of this commitment involves giving a platform to underheard voices and opening up conversations about the difficult subject of racism. Amplifying Voices, Mending Divides is a resource book of real-life stores that launched in October 2021.

The book, edited by Ester Jamera, former Co-Chair of the BME Staff Network, features 14 diverse voices from across the Trust and beyond, giving deeply personal stories of racism and of hopes for race equality.

We want everyone at LTHT to have had the chance to read this book. The stories are not intended to blame or shame – together they form a vital point of learning that encourages staff of all backgrounds to listen to the experiences of people both alike and different to themselves. Through this we hope to start inclusive conversations across the Trust, the wider NHS, and beyond.

LTHT staff are invited to claim a copy of the book via the Intranet. Search: Amplifying Voices in the search box on the Intranet home page and start your inclusive conversation with colleagues.

Patients, visitors and partners can also purchase a copy of the book - we ask for a set donation to Leeds Hospitals Charity to help us cover costs:

Buy the book from Leeds Hospitals Charity

You can also listen to a selection of the stories read by the authors themselves on our SoundCloud:

Listen to the authors read their stories on SoundCloud

Listen to Nompu Mahlangu read an extract from the book

What's in the book?

Stories from 14 contributors from a diverse range of both BME and non-BME staff and partners.
150 pages, with colour photos selected to represent each story throughout.
Foreword from Dr Owen Williams OBE.

How did it come about?

In Summer 2020, the death of George Floyd and the health inequalities revealed by the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted that all voices need to be heard and acted upon in order to successfully address current race disparities.

Following this, the BME Staff Network posted a call-out for contributors for the book from both BME and non-BME colleagues to reflect the broad impact and array of experiences of race and racism that Covid-19 and George Floyd’s death had brought to light.

The finished collection will act both as a snapshot of a historical moment and a valuable resource for colleagues now and for future generations. This is the fruit of a lot of hard work since then from colleagues and partners, in bringing this concept to reality.