Organised by Greater Anglia’s employee network groups, the event brought together colleagues from across the Anglia railway to discuss how to create more inclusive workplaces as Greater Anglia, c2c and Network Rail Anglia work more closely together as part of GBR Anglia.
Throughout the day, colleagues explored sessions centred on sharing lived experiences of neurodiversity and promoting practical ways to improve accessibility and inclusion in the workplace. The programme also included practical grounding techniques through activities such as worry stone and fidget ring crafting.
An afternoon keynote presentation was delivered by author and inclusion specialist Ellen Jones, who spoke about the intersection of neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ identities, while highlighting the value organisations can discover in recognising and embracing diversity as a strength.
Celebrated every July, Disability Pride Month encourages people and organisations to celebrate disability identity, challenge barriers and build more inclusive workplaces. For GBR Anglia, it also provided an opportunity to bring colleagues together across Greater Anglia, c2c and Network Rail Anglia to learn from each other and continue building a railway where everyone can thrive.
Rob Mullen, chief customer and commercial officer at GBR Anglia, said: “It was a genuine privilege to attend this event and hear so many voices candidly share their experiences of how neurodiversity shapes their lives both in and outside the workplace.
“At GBR Anglia, we’re proud to celebrate the diversity of our people. Days like this give colleagues the opportunity to learn from each other, challenge barriers, and help to build a shared culture where everyone feels valued and able to reach their full potential.
“As Greater Anglia, c2c and Network Rail Anglia work more closely together, events like this are an important reminder that integration is not only about operations and services. It is also about building a shared culture across the railway, shaped by the experiences and voices of our people.”
Disabled people continue to face barriers in employment and in the workplace, underlining the importance of creating more accessible, inclusive and understanding organisations.
Rose Merchant, talent attraction manager and chair of ability, Greater Anglia’s disability and carer-focused network group, said: “There is still so much work to be done around breaking down barriers and creating truly accessible workplaces.
“It was incredibly inspiring seeing people bring their energy, vulnerability and passion to today’s sessions, and fantastic to bring colleagues together from across GBR Anglia as we continue building a more inclusive, accessible and understanding railway.”
Image credit: GBR Anglia
