“Life is for living, making connections and creating a better future.”

Throughout October, Black History Month celebrations have been held across Avanti West Coast’s network. Camille Parchment, Customer Service Assistant at Birmingham New Street station, explains the importance of celebrating her heritage at work and how it wouldn’t be possible without such a strong colleague support network.

30 October 2024

To me, Black History month means embracing my culture, educating others and sharing stories, so when I was asked if I wanted to throw a Caribbean themed event for our staff at New Street I was bursting with joy.

There was a similar event at Euston the week before and it had been such a hit that I couldn’t wait to do the same in Birmingham. It really means a lot that I have colleagues, team leaders and a manager that support me with any creative visions I have.

Seeking out my local Sickle Cell Centre was my favourite part of planning the event. Alongside the delicious Caribbean food, we threw a raffle that raised money for Sickle Cell UK, and I was absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of local Birmingham businesses that donated prizes and helped me achieve my goal. The outcome was everything and more, and to see my colleagues enjoying the food and vibes meant everything to me.

Having a strong connection with your support network is vital to any project and I’m lucky and happy that I can count on some special individuals at work to be on hand for anything I need mentally or creatively. Work is more than just a job, so why not share the good times with the people you work with every day? I want to make a path for not just myself, but for others like me that think their ideas might get pushed back. Whatever we want to achieve, we can start small and one day what we hope for will happen.

“The outcome was everything and more, and to see my colleagues enjoying the food and vibes meant everything to me.”

My Mom is my biggest role model, she built me up to be the woman I am today. To be independent, strong and to not be scared of what the future may hold. Life is for living, making connections and creating a better future.

When we’re planning events at Birmingham New Street, I will always ask people to share ideas. Some are possible and some aren’t, but the discussion is crucial as that’s when sparks can fly and without realising it you’ve come up with an idea; we must remember that we’re a team and that we all hold value.

I’m truly grateful that I was able to put on such an event. I live by the quote “be the change you want to see” and believe with more of us getting out of our comfort zone, we can create something special.

Main image: Camille Parchment (Customer Service Assistant at Birmingham New Street) standing in front of a Black History Month flag.

Images (top to bottom): Colleagues enjoying the event at Birmingham New Street station.