Rebekka's Story

My name is Rebekka, and I am a Team Leader and Own Brand Ambassador at Superdrug. I have been with the company for just over a year.

 

It was incredibly exciting to be a part of the Unlearn DEI campaign, especially as an individual with an invisible illness. Outside of work, I dedicate a significant amount of time to medical appointments and rest due to my struggles with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

 

There exists a strong preconception of what someone with these conditions should look like or be capable of. Despite these challenges, I am concurrently pursuing a degree in psychotherapy and counselling, with the goal of supporting individuals with hidden disabilities, like me.

 

It was crucial to me that Superdrug actively promoted the message of learning to unlearn. In doing so, we challenge stereotypes and break the taboo surrounding discussions about our identities and health.

Tom's Story

I joined Savers around 5 years ago as a Store Manager and ran some stores in South and East London. I progressed to Area Manager with support of my managers and Regional General Manager around 18 months ago and have been running an Area in North London ever since.

 

I wanted to get involved in the Unlearn campaign because I am passionate about people and how individuals can shape a team and business. Unlearn is a unique opportunity to be part of delivering a message that can positivity impact so many and help to make people feel valued, understood and part of the amazing team we have at A.S Watson.

 

I am a proud father of two young boys, as a working father I also ensure I can take an active role in my sons’ upbringing alongside my partner. Outside of work I am a huge supporter of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and enjoy spending my time with my family and friends.

 

I feel Unlearn is important as it will help people to better understand each other and help to alleviate biases that people may have. Further allowing our team to flourish and celebrate the individuals and amazing talent we have within our business and allow us to attract more people to join our business knowing that they will be welcomed and can be themselves.

Leah's Story

I'm a Team Leader at the Broadway Bradford store. I wanted to get involved with the Unlearn campaign as it means a lot to me to represent something like this.

 

Outside of work I'm a wife and a mum of two boys. I've been with my partner for nearly fifteen years. I spend a lot of my time around football training & matches! My hobbies include growing my social media to be a fashion and beauty content creator and I love spending time with my husband and children and taking family trips.

 

I think it's important to focus on a subject like this because everyone is different, no one is the same and it's important to learn we should be accepted from every walk of life, no matter what our background is or lifestyle or our health conditions.

 

I live with two health conditions; I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and I'm partially deaf and wear a hearing aid. Even though I live with struggles and issues around these health conditions daily, I still get up and get on with life at home and working life.

 

I think people need to be understanding of people's disabilities and hidden disabilities. Understanding and unlearning that people are different but it doesn't make us any less of a human being. I may need some extra help at times, and I really appreciate it when people do try help and makes things easier for me, whether it's speaking a little louder and clearer so I can hear them or offering to lift something that I can't always manage.

Darren's Story

I’m Darren and I am the Online Business Design Manager and have worked for Superdrug & Savers for over 10 years. Over the 10 years I have developed myself and the different roles I have undertaken with the support of the Superdrug family - learning from everyone in the business from the MD to Store Manager - to make me a better person.

 

I am a proud Dad of my two beautiful girls - trying to be a superhero to them and support my family and friends. I believe everyone should be equal and be allowed to be "who they want to be" no matter what, without prejudice. When I was asked to be part of the campaign, it was a no brainer - I wanted to spread the UNLEARN message, about what we had done already and what we want to do next. Superdrug and Savers employs thousands of people across different areas, age, gender, race, and beliefs, and we all need to be a team to achieve our goals. The UNLEARN campaign will hopefully make people think about their own ideas and change people’s thoughts on others they work with or serve.

 

If I could ask for one thing for people to unlearn it would be ‘Judgement’. Never judge a book by its cover, if you don't open your eyes, you will never see something special about a person.