Debbie Eniola, Registered Manager of Elysium’s Tottle Brook House, has pioneered Heritage Days — a powerful initiative fostering cultural understanding, belonging and inclusion. As we ref
lect on National Inclusion Week, an event dedicated to celebrating inclusion and taking action to build inclusive workplaces, we spoke to Debbie about the service’s Heritage Days initiative.
Debbie, tell us about how the Heritage Days initiative at Tottle Brook House began?
When I joined in 2021, I could see Elysium’s commitment to diversity and equity. But I also recognised an opportunity to bring this to life in a more personal, visible way, helping colleagues from across the globe feel truly seen, heard and celebrated.
As a manager, I also see Heritage Days as a way of learning from my team — it builds trust and gives me greater insight into their perspectives and motivations.
Why is that so important?
When people relocate from overseas to join our team, we might give them a job description that tells them what their job is – that’s one thing. But how do we support them in understanding cultural differences and British culture, while still being their authentic selves and not forgetting their culture?
Cultural behaviours that might feel unusual, or even challenging, are often shaped by deep cultural roots. Heritage Days give us the opportunity to see behaviours in context — with empathy rather than judgement.
So what did you do?
To help us better understand different cultures – both British and those of colleagues from around the globe – we bring people together to celebrate different cultures and heritage. Becoming part of and embracing British culture does not mean forgetting who you are or where you come from. We want to embrace and respect all cultures and learn more about heritage, history and cultures.
What happens during these Heritage Days?
An unexpected but beautiful outcome was how much the people we support enjoyed it — the sensory experience of food, music and dance brought joy and connection beyond what we imagined.
What has been the reaction to the days?
Heritage Days have become more than an event; they’re a movement that reinforces equity and inclusion at the heart of our service. We are building a workplace where people do not just work together, but they truly belong.
Heritage Days have quickly become a highlight at Tottle Brook House. They strengthen cultural awareness, reduce unconscious bias and create a sense of belonging for colleagues and the people we support. By celebrating identity and heritage, we remind ourselves that inclusion is not just about policies or initiatives — it is about people and the joy that comes when we truly understand one another.