Few weeks back I had the privilege of delivering cultural safety training to educators at the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
At first glance, some may wonder why a midwife is facilitating this kind of session. But the reality is that cultural safety is not confined to one profession or specialty, it is a universal responsibility. Any role that involves working with people requires an awareness of how our perspectives, biases, and systems impact others.
For me, this work always begins with self-reflection.
As professionals, we must be willing to examine our own assumptions and acknowledge the biases we may consciously or unconsciously hold before we can effectively support or educate others. Without that willingness to reflect, it becomes difficult to provide truly equitable, person-centred care and ultimately, patient safety can be compromised.
What makes these sessions particularly meaningful is that they are not simply about delivering information. They are spaces for open dialogue, critical thinking, and honest reflection. At times, they can feel uncomfortable, but discomfort should not be seen as a barrier to learning. In many cases, it is where the most meaningful growth begins.
Cultural safety goes far beyond cultural awareness or cultural competence. It asks us to recognise power dynamics, listen to lived experiences, and acknowledge the structural inequalities that continue to shape outcomes across our services and communities.
Addressing health inequalities is complex, and there is no single solution. However, creating culturally safe environments is a significant step forward. When people feel heard, respected, and safe within our systems, we begin to build trust, improve engagement, and create better outcomes for the communities we serve. The learning in these spaces is never one-sided. Every session contributes to my own growth and understanding too, which is one of the reasons I remain so passionate about this work.
If you’re interested in learning more about cultural safety training or would like to arrange a session, please feel free to reach out!