Shirley Fraser

I'm a first generation African Caribbean woman born in 1962 from Jamaican parents, who immigrated to the United Kingdom in 50's. I came from a family of 9 siblings and most of the time felt included.

I grew up in the West Midlands where I attended the local Primary and Secondary schools; once nominated for 'Prefect' where I got the name 'Teachers pet'. For majority of my school life, being the only black girl in class was ok at first but soon became clear it was distressing others. The name calling became a thing of the past, I was protected by my brothers. Without a doubt, I became fully aware that the unprovoked attention was as a result of negative preconceived idea and ignorance.

To change those ideation I needed to do something, I loved helping people less fortunate than others and my help was greatly received. Nursing was in my blood, so I'd embarked on 29 year career in Mental Health. It was challenging at times but worth it. I'd realised the more you know about people the more I got to know myself.