Disability History Month – Everyone Belongs Here

This month marks Disability History Month, a national campaign that shines a light on the achievements of people with a disability, the barriers they face, and the importance of creating inclusive workplaces and communities. 

Across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, we are proud to connect this campaign with our own system-wide initiative, ‘Everyone Belongs Here’. This programme champions belonging, respect and inclusion across our system, ensuring that every colleague feels valued and supported to thrive. 

One of our inclusion advocates, colleague Jen Docherty, shares her experience of how small but meaningful adjustments have made a big difference: 

“Small adjustments to my working pattern and location have enabled me to succeed in a role I love. Whilst these might be small adjustments, they have such a positive impact on allowing me to continue working, alongside managing the daily challenges of my condition, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – something I wasn’t sure would be feasible when I was diagnosed 17 years ago!  

“My team and managers have been understanding, flexible, supportive and kind and I really enjoy and value working. I’m proud to work within the NHS, the same NHS that has kept, and continues to keep, me as well as possible, both medically and professionally.” 

Jen’s story is a powerful reminder that inclusion is not about grand gestures, but about everyday actions that enable colleagues to contribute their skills and passion. As we mark Disability History Month, we celebrate the contributions of disabled people across our NHS and reaffirm our commitment that Everyone Belongs Here. 

For more information and details of how you can mark Disability History Month, please visit:How to celebrate UK Disability History Month in the workplace 

Download the ‘Everyone Belongs Here’ toolkit here and use the resources to show your support for equality, diversity and inclusion in a way that is personal to you.