Black History Month: Paul's story

“I’m really pleased that Advance are celebrating Black History Month, acknowledging, and highlighting the contribution that people from overseas make to the UK. One of the great things about growing up in London is being in contact with so many different cultures and meeting people from different backgrounds.” As an Outreach Service Manager, Paul co-ordinates support services for over 40 Advance customers with learning disabilities living in their own homes across Hackney and Newham. Employed at Advance for over 20 years, Paul began his career with us, as a Support Worker.

“My grandfather came to the UK from Jamaica during the war. My father came here from Trinidad in the 1960s. I feel a strong connection with my personal heritage.” Paul provides regular support to his local community in south London in his role as a voluntary Youth Worker.

“Advance has always seemed to be genuine in addressing issues and developing good practice around diversity and inclusion.” Paul joined Advance’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Group with a desire to augment existing practices. “At Advance, we work to provide support and housing to people who are disempowered and disadvantaged, providing them with platforms to raise concerns. I would like Advance to consider introducing processes that enable greater representation of diverse voices from right across the workforce, and improvements to consultation before decisions are made that affect employees. As part of the EDI Group I hope to help make this happen.”

*Paul is pictured above with Outreach customer, Salih.