Compassionate Cultures

In this episode of the Compassionate Cultures Podcast, Rebbecca reflects on the powerful words and presence of historian David Olusoga. From uncovering the hidden histories behind everyday British staples like tea and fish and chips, to challenging how we frame national identity, David invites us to look more honestly at the stories we tell ourselves. He reminds us that history isn’t about guilt, it’s about truth, and that we cannot build a more compassionate society without first acknowledging what has been erased, distorted, or conveniently forgotten. We explore themes of cultural appropriation, historical sanitisation, and resilience in the face of public hostility. You’ll hear about Jamaican boxer Hezikiah Moscow, the erasure of African soldiers from World War II narratives, and how language like "West Indian merchant" masks the legacies of enslavement. Rebbecca also reflects on what it means to be calm in the face of injustice and why excellence, not anger, can be a radical tool for change. This is a heartfelt episode about truth-telling, hope, and the power of compassionate storytelling.

Some individuals face a heightened risk of sexual harassment due to the intersecting aspects of their identity. In this episode, we explore the critical intersection of race and gender, highlighting how stereotypes rooted in both can create environments ripe for harm. What might appear to be casual remarks or ‘harmless’ assumptions can, in reality, be deeply damaging and part of a broader pattern of harassment. Join us as we unpack these dynamics and discuss what needs to change to create spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

In this two-part special recorded during my visit to the Health and Wellbeing at Work Show at the NEC in Birmingham (11–12 March), I set out to gather the most urgent questions and insights relating to equity, diversity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. In part two, I continue to share key learnings and reflections drawn from the event, exploring how organisations can begin their DEI journeys in meaningful ways, unpacking the distinction between the Rooney Rule and Positive Action, and highlighting important conversations around men’s health networks and menopause in the workplace. Whether you're just beginning your DEI work or looking to deepen your understanding, I hope these reflections offer food for thought and practical direction.

Welcome back to Compassionate Cultures for an exciting Season 2! We've been hard at work behind the scenes, growing, learning, and expanding our impact. In this episode, we take you inside our latest projects, share key insights from our journey, and reveal what's in store for the season ahead. If you're passionate about creating inclusive, compassionate spaces, you won’t want to miss this!

Racial gaslighting is a reality that racially marginalised individuals often face, yet it remains an issue that many still don't address. In this episode, Rebbecca delves into the dynamics of racial gaslighting, breaking down how it manifests and providing insights into recognising it.  When we learn to understand racial gaslighting, we can take steps to ensure that racially marginalised people are not subjected to it and decrease racial harm. Follow Strawberry Words Training Consultancy here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strawberry_wordsuk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strawberry-words-limited Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5DvmenplX7BbkKRnSGTbs3 Visit our website: www.strawberrywordscourses.co.uk Download a free copy of "That's So Offensive" An Introductory Guide to Inclusive Language and Behaviour https://www.strawberrywordscourses.co.uk/that-s-so-offensive-041fa9e1-4d38-4909-ad1d-9b3bb9bb33e7

In this particularly necessary episode of Compassionate Cultures, we explore how U.K. schools can better support racially, religiously and culturally marginalised pupils in the aftermath of the recent U.K. riots. While many schools have anti-discrimination and anti-bullying policies in place, these measures are not enough to protect pupils from the systemic and everyday challenges of racism. Join us as we discuss practical steps schools can take to reassess and reshape their policies, create inclusive environments, and provide essential emotional support to students from culturally marginalised backgrounds. The host, Rebbecca Hemmings also dives into why current policies often fall short and how schools can offer culturally responsive counselling, safe spaces, and trauma-informed teaching. If you're a teacher, school leader, or parent invested in building a more inclusive school culture, this episode is a must-listen. The work must be actioned to ensure that all pupils feel safe, valued, and supported in schools. Follow Strawberry Words Training Consultancy here: On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strawberry_wordsuk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strawberry-words-limited On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5DvmenplX7BbkKRnSGTbs3 Visit our website: www.strawberrywordscourses.co.uk Download a free copy of "That's So Offensive" An Introductory Guide to Inclusive Language and Behaviour https://www.strawberrywordscourses.co.uk/that-s-so-offensive-041fa9e1-4d38-4909-ad1d-9b3bb9bb33e7

In the wake of the recent race riots that have shaken communities across England, many individuals are grappling with the profound effects of racial trauma. In this deeply moving episode, Rebbecca opens up with raw honesty about how these events have touched her life and the lives of those around her. Drawing on personal experiences and expert insights, she explores the lingering impact of these riots, not just on people of the global majority and Muslims, but also on white ethnic minorities.   Rebbecca doesn’t just recount the pain; she offers hope. She shares practical, effective strategies for managing and healing from the racial stress and trauma that so many are enduring. This episode is more than a conversation—it's a guide to resilience, offering listeners a path forward in these challenging times. Tune in for an episode that is heartfelt, and empowering, and discover ways to reclaim your peace and strength during challenging times. To learn more about Dr S. P. Harrell’s 6 types of racial stressors, listen to this episode of the Crafting Cultures Podcast: https://www.strawberrywordscourses.co.uk/blog?tag=trauma Follow Strawberry Words Training Consultancy here: On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strawberry_wordsuk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strawberry-words-limited On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5DvmenplX7BbkKRnSGTbs3 Visit our website: www.strawberrywordscourses.co.uk Download a free copy of "That's So Offensive" An Introductory Guide to Inclusive Language and Behaviour https://www.strawberrywordscourses.co.uk/that-s-so-offensive-041fa9e1-4d38-4909-ad1d-9b3bb9bb33e7