County’s Health Professionals Celebrate ‘Everyone Belongs Here’ Inclusion Advocates

Health and care professionals across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are proudly celebrating those taking part in the ‘Everyone Belongs Here’ campaign as part of National Inclusion Week (15-19 September 2025).

This powerful initiative shines a spotlight on colleagues from across the local health and care system who have stepped forward as passionate advocates for inclusion, equality and belonging.

Since launching earlier this year, the campaign has attracted volunteers from a wide range of health and care organisations in the region. These individuals have lent their voices to amplify a vital message: ‘Everyone Belongs Here’.

Spanning diverse roles, backgrounds and communities, the advocates are at the heart of the campaign, and their messages are helping to spark meaningful conversations, challenge inequality, and inspire inclusion across the system.

Liz Dambrauskas, a School Nurse taking part in the campaign, said: "National Inclusion Week is a great opportunity to promote our message of belonging. I'm proud to stand alongside colleagues from all over Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin's health and care system to stand up for diversity and inclusion. Together, we are stronger."

Vanessa Whatley, Executive Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin said: “Our colleagues are the true champions of inclusion. By sharing their lived experiences and standing up as advocates, they are not only amplifying underrepresented voices, but also challenging us to think differently, act more consciously, and lead with empathy.

“Their courage and openness are helping to shape a workplace culture where equality is the norm, diversity is embraced, and everyone - regardless of background, identity, or circumstance - feels seen, heard and valued.”

The ‘Everyone Belongs Here’ campaign reflects the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System’s (ICS) ongoing commitment to creating a health and care system that is inclusive, compassionate and responsive to the needs of everyone.

You can learn more about the campaign and hear directly from our inclusion advocates by visiting: everyonebelongshere.co.uk.

For more information on National Inclusion Week, please visit: National Inclusion Week 2025.