National Windrush Day—a celebration of the Caribbean community in the UK

Today is National Windrush Day when we celebrate the outstanding contribution of Caribbean people to the UK, making the NHS what it is to this day.

On this day 72 years ago the SS Empire Windrush ship arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex carrying Caribbean migrants to the UK.

Many of those who left their homes were ex-servicemen who fought with the UK in the Second World War and had been invited to Britain to fill labour shortages and support the post war efforts to restore Britain.

In 2018 a national day was established to recognise the enormous contribution of this generation both then and now, and to commemorate and honour the enormous sacrifice and efforts of those who made that first journey to Britain.

People of Caribbean heritage continue to make up a significant proportion of today’s workforce and their legacy is firmly rooted in the NHS. We celebrate and give thanks to our many colleagues who are descendants of this pioneering generation working in the NHS today.

We may not be able to gather together but we can still mark the day in many ways, though remembering, exploring literacy, poetry, discussions and virtual events.