Black History Month

Following the moving Keynote from Team Voice at The Moorview Care Show, Chibundo's words resonate this Black History Month - Written by Chibundo Okeke and Team Voice

Standing Firm in Power and Pride: Finding Our Voices at Moorview Care

This year’s Black History Month theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” is a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that define the Black community across the globe. It celebrates the courage it takes to stand tall, to speak up, and to lead with authenticity - even when the world has not always made space for your voice.That same spirit of empowerment is alive at Moorview Care through Team Voice, a forum built on the belief that every person’s voice matters.Now in its fourth year, Team Voice has become a cornerstone of Moorview Care’s culture, a space where everyone, regardless of role or location, is heard, valued, and respected. This article includes excerpts from the Team Voice Keynote at The Moorview Care Show on 8th Oct 2025. The Representatives spoke passionately about how finding their voice has transformed not only their own journeys, but the wider Moorview Care community.

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“I Learnt the Power of Using My Voice” — Chibundo’s Story 

The keynote included moving reflections from Chibundo, Team Leader in Hull and a self-described writer and advocate for her team.

“I am Chibundo. Some of you know me as Grandma, some as Jibundo, some as Shibunjoe, and some know me as a Team Leader. Team Voice is not just a forum; it is a promise. A promise to every member of the team that your voice deserves to be heard.”

Her story reflected on her early experiences in Nigeria, where speaking up was not encouraged.

“After my graduate studies, I served in the paramilitary for a year, and we were told not to speak up about anything. Even if something wasn’t working - stay quiet. You simply had to be voiceless.”

That changed when she joined Moorview Care. “At the 2024 Business Planning Road Show, I expressed interest in joining Team Voice but didn’t meet the requirements due to my visa restrictions. I thought that was it. But Team Voice listened. They revised the criteria so part-time team members could be represented too. That moment changed everything.”

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Team Leader, Paula, shared how speaking up can be daunting — but also transformative. 

“Initially, the thought of attending Head Office for my first Team Voice forum was quite nerve-wracking,” she admitted. “Speaking up and expressing opinions to members of the Leadership Team didn’t seem appropriate somehow. However, I was immediately made to feel I could be honest, open and frank without fear of judgment.”

Paula’s story is a reminder that confidence and pride grow in environments where listening is genuine.

From Lived Experience to Leadership 

For Liayle, another Team Leader, finding his voice has been deeply personal. "I was told 'kids in care don’t do well in education', that made me want to use my experiences to help others."

As both a Supported Living professional and a Panel Member for an independent fostering agency, Liayle brings a unique perspective to Team Voice.

“Being part of Team Voice continues my ability to use my voice — not only to strengthen it, but to give everyone the chance to have their voices heard.”

Inclusion, Equality, and Empowerment in Action 

For Fehintijesu (FT), his Moorview Care journey began “quite unexpectedly; on a bus ride.” Yet it quickly became something meaningful.

“Team Voice has also been an open platform where inclusion, diversity, and equality are truly exemplified. It’s a space where the peculiarity of each service is acknowledged, respected, and celebrated, and where important issues are brought to the forefront. I’m proud to say that there have been resolutions to the majority of challenges presented at Team Voice; a true testament to what can happen when people come together with shared purpose and understanding.”

Similarly, Oluwasegun (Shegs), Support Worker from Whitby, described Team Voice as a model of “horizontal leadership”:

He continued “As a Support Worker, having in-person access to the Leadership Team and being able to discuss issues on behalf of our team members with the people who can make changes happen is pure bliss. Team Voice presents an atmosphere where you feel free to share any issue or concern without fear of repercussion, retaliation, or being made to feel stupid. Nothing is shrugged off but attended to with respect.

I remember my first day on that train from Middlesbrough to York, feeling a bit anxious as to what to expect in such a forum. And then finding our CEO herself, opening the door for me, and asking me if I wanted a cup of tea. That put me at ease and suggested the kind of ambience I was walking into.”

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A Call to Stand Firm 

Closing the keynote, Chibundo reminded everyone that empowerment is both personal and collective:

“Team feedback is crucial in improving working conditions for our team and opens up a channel for conversations like ‘what would it take?’, ‘how do we support our people to enjoy those small, quiet moments like watching the ducks paddle on the pond?’.

Whether you belong to the Team Voice forum or the Moorview Care family, our responsibility is the same. We must use our voices to advocate for a world where everyday life is not filled only with structured, extraordinary activities for the people we support. But instead, for a world where they can enjoy the simple, ordinary things that add colour to life. Things like watching the trees dance to the rhythm of the wind.

Giving a voice to our team creates a culture of speaking up and sharing ideas, hopes, and feedback. The way we advocate for ourselves sends a clear message to the people we support - they can speak up, they will be listened to, and they have choices and control over their own lives too. That paves the way for us all to live gloriously ordinary lives.”

Her message perfectly captures the meaning of Standing Firm in Power and Pride: to take up space with confidence, to use our voices with purpose, and to create change not just for ourselves, but for others too.

This year’s Black History Month invites us to honour the power of our voices.

Team Voice is a living example of what happens when people do exactly that: when people come together, listen deeply, and speak boldly, your voice isn’t just heard; it matters.

Click the link below to watch Chibundo's first video with Team Voice 💚

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zomTDuirLc