Black History Month – Introducing Enable’s Benjamin Butler
October is Black History Month and was originally founded to recognise the contributions that people of African and Caribbean backgrounds have made to the UK over many generations.
Making a contribution of his own in Shropshire is one of our new employees, Benjamin Butler, who recently started working for the council as part of the Enable team as an Expert by Experience.
Ben, from Shrewsbury, writes here about how his background and experience has been channelled into being a positive role model for others.
“I’m delighted to be staring my new role within Enable at the council where I aim to assist people with mental health issues and other challenges in life, just like I’ve faced, to help them get back into work.
“I’ve been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, eating disorder, anxiety and depression, with the first two only recently identified.
“These conditions have impacted my relationships and led to some poor decisions in the past, including a stint in a young offenders’ institution.
“Growing up, I faced physical and racial abuse, which began in infant school and continued into my 30s. Without strong role models, I made some misguided choices. My father was in prison, and I didn’t know about my black heritage, leading me to struggle with my identity and self-worth. My grandparents were there for me but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to steer me in the right direction
“Despite these struggles, I found my way. While in prison, I learned about my culture and heritage, which was a turning point for me. I believe Black History Month is something to be celebrated every day, not just for a month, as it often gets forgotten afterwards.
“I have an organisation called New Generation Coaching, currently on hold, where I mentor, coach, and conduct workshops on knife crime, gangs, positive role models, racism, and County Lines (where illegal drugs are transported from one area to another).
“I’ve performed at Theatre Severn and recently shared the stage with my favourite Shrewsbury Town player, Mickey Brown, as part of ‘The Drifters’. I’ve also finished writing my book, which I hope will be published next October, and I’m working on a play based on the book, aiming for a May premiere.
“I also do volunteer work for TAARC which is a black-run organisation in Telford that helps bring the black communities and other communities from different backgrounds together
“I’m excited about my journey with Enable at Shropshire Council and look forward to making a positive impact.”
