Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) Staff Network – Carla’s story
My story…Carla Morgan
“Ever since I was a little girl, it has always been a dream of mine to become a nurse and make a difference to others”.
Who am I?
I am proud to have the opportunity to do this every day as a qualified mental health nurse and have worked for the Trust for over five years. I am currently based at Folly Hall Mills in Huddersfield and working as a band six, senior nurse. My roles have been in a community mental health team setting within older people’s services and on the acute wards in Calderdale as a bank nurse. Working as a nurse means I get to meet different people every day and live my dream. I have a passion for helping and supporting people with their recovery. I have enjoyed working for South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and have been given good opportunities to expand further in my role as a nurse and also in a senior leadership role. The environment instilled by the Trust has always been supportive and nurturing, to help you to be the best you can be. My line manager Susannah Davis, Team Manager, OPS CMHT has always been a strong advocate of mine, encouraging me to push myself with personal development opportunities and taking on leadership responsibilities. With her support and trust, I pushed myself constantly to explore opportunities to progress, learn and expand my skills.
When did I join?
I joined the Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) network just over a year ago after recommendation from a colleague. Linking with other BAME members from the network, has given me the confidence to develop further in my role. By sharing experiences and listening to the challenges faced by other members, my self-confidence and desire to improve flourished. At the BAME network, we celebrate and understand the value added by being different. By supporting difference, we can offer unique understanding, values and ideas to provide better services. I have met a number of professional, supportive people from across the Trust who attend the group and are willing to support you.
“Being part of the BAME network is like being a part of a team, where everyone comes together as one to achieve a common goal. Regardless of background, job role or position – the network is there to help and support one another”.
How did it help?
It was due to being a part of the BAME network that I met Aboobaker Bhana, Equality and Engagement Manager, who supported me with advice on how to approach personal development and introduced me to the Mary Seacole leadership programme. He encouraged me to get in touch and arrange a meeting with the learning and development team for further guidance on the programme and how to apply. I have recently completed the Mary Seacole leadership programme and just found out I successfully passed the course. The programme, which lasted six months, aims at developing key knowledge and skills in management, through workshops and online modules. Having gained confidence, self-belief and skills by completing the Mary Seacole leadership programme, I apply my learning in my day to day role with the management of my direct line reports.
My desire to constantly improve and renewed confidence in independent learning, has guided me to study a master’s degree in recovery in mental health at Sheffield Hallam University. I hope to continue to develop and learn in order to achieve my goals and move forward in my career.
If you work for the Trust and would like to find out more information about the BAME staff network or interested in becoming a member, contact BAMEstaffnetwork@swyt.nhs.uk.
