It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas for our international nurses.

Last week, an event was held for colleagues who have come from countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, India, Philippines, Turkey and Malawi.

It was called ‘An English Christmas – Navigating your first Christmas away from home’ and took place in the Manor Learning and Conference Centre at Walsall Manor Hospital.

The event was for newly recruited international nurses based at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and their families. It was a chance to welcome them to the UK and give them an insight on what Christmas is like here.

The nurses also shared Christmas traditions and cultures from their own home countries.

There was food, drink, dancing, games and a raffle (tombola) where everyone had a chance to win some prizes.

Nadine Mapunzamoyo, International Nursing – Recruitment, Retention and Development Lead said:

“The event was really good. I learnt a lot about other nations’ Christmas traditions but mostly the fact that we are quite similar in the sense of family, food and gifts!

“The nurses said they had a great time and thanked us for holding the event.”

Fundraising Manager, Georgie Westley who looks after Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s charity (Well Wishers) provided refreshments on the night. She along with Fundraising Support Officer, Kimberly Aplin hosted a quiz for the nurses.

Georgie was also a guest speaker at the event and spoke about what Christmas is like for the Westley family and told them about a number of English traditions.

She said: “It was lovely to be part of such a fun event and after the talks, raffle and refreshments it was lovely to see the nurses dancing and enjoying themselves.”