This painting tells the stories of Sandah and Arun, two migrant healthcare workers who embody themes of adaptation, support, and resilience. 

Sandah gazes outward with strength and hope, her background featuring traditional Myanmar pyit taing htaung dolls. Like these dolls that bounce back when knocked down, Sandah finds her center amid life's challenges. Originating from war-torn Myanmar, she came to the UK on an asylum visa, facing immense sorrow when she lost her partner to conflict shortly after her arrival. This tragedy forced her into a non-clinical role, reflecting the constraints many migrants encounter, such as limited opportunities, cultural barriers, and the emotional toll of racism. 

Stereotypes often shaped how others viewed her motivations. “Migrants come to the UK and gain work,” she shared, “but they also have to lose the life that they've already built. There can be beauty in it. But also, we need to recognise the pain. Building a new life is multifaceted.” Though her voice is steady, her grief lingers in the silences: “I lost my partner to war.”, “I lost my home, my future, my breath of life.” Her story is a testament to human resilience – it is one that does not frame the migrant experience as a tale of victimhood, but as a celebration of strength, of finding beauty amid struggle and of transforming pain into purpose.

In contrast, Arun, radiates pride and fulfillment, despite frustrations illustrated by misspellings of his name. “I couldn’t quite understand why people never made the effort to say your name correctly,” he reflects. “I would feel embarrassed.” These errors highlight the challenges of feeling foreign in a new environment. He finds solace in an Asian grocery store, a reminder of home that fosters belonging. “Having Indian groceries, being able to cook home foods—it helped create a sense of belonging,” he reflects. His insights stress the importance of genuine interactions and finding joy in the little things, which help him cope with missing his life in India.

This painting narrates the story of Maria, a Filipina nurse who relocated to the UK in 2001. Her journey required significant adaptation on physical, linguistic, and emotional levels as she adjusted to life far from her homeland.

At the center of the painting, Maria is depicted as a happy, proud, and accomplished nurse. To her left stands a woman in a puffer jacket, symbolizing one of Maria's immediate challenges: adapting to the cold climate. “Coming from a tropical country, I recognize that there are four seasons here in the UK,” she reflected. “However, transitioning from a consistently hot environment to one that is cold all the time requires physical adjustment. It doesn’t happen overnight. You can’t simply buy the thickest clothes and thermals and expect to adapt immediately; your body needs time to adjust as well.”

Language posed another significant challenge for Maria. She stressed the vital role of clear communication in nursing. “Communication is one of the most important factors in delivering excellent care. You need to understand the patients and the team—and they need to understand you.” Initially, even simple terms proved confusing; crucial words like “saline” could sound different enough to lead to misunderstandings. The painting includes words such as “route” and “schedule,” which were pronounced in an American English accent in the Philippines, adding another layer of complexity within a system aligned with British norms.

To tackle these obstacles, Maria immersed herself in British English through television and conversations. Within three years, she became fluent and gained confidence, discovering her voice in a new environment. “I was able to build rapport with patients, students, and colleagues,” she said, proud of the positive feedback she received regarding her communication.

This painting tells the story of Abeke, an internationally educated nurse whose journey to the UK was filled with struggles and moments of solidarity. 

“The first culture shock is the weather. I came in during winter” she shared. It was more than a jolt of cold—it symbolised the emotional and physical contrast between her life in Nigeria. It became a symbol for the deeper challenges of migration: uncertainty, isolation, and disorientation.

Soon after arrival, Abeke faced an issue with the NMC. A police clearance certificate she had obtained from someone posing as an official turned out to be fraudulent. “I was so devastated,” she said. “You know, I'd resigned back home, and coming here, facing such a challenge… it was really devastating and traumatising.” This incident jeopardised her nursing registration and professional standing. She was informed she would need to step down from her role as an Internationally Educated Nurse and temporarily work as a Healthcare Support Worker while appealing her case.

With her family still in Nigeria at the time, the emotional weight of the setback was compounded by loneliness. “It was really hard for me, I couldn’t say I was fine—because I wasn’t.”

Despite this, she was met with unwavering support. Her matron, line manager, pastoral lead, and professional development nurse rallied for her. She was referred to well-being services and supported emotionally and professionally throughout the ordeal. “They all stood by me,” she said, a phrase that echoes through her journey like a quiet refrain of resilience.

In December 2023, Abeke received her UK nursing pin, marking a personal victory and a recovery of her professional identity. The warmth and support she received transformed her initial feelings of cold and isolation into resilience and triumph.

This artwork tells the stories of Adeni and Meenu, two migrant healthcare workers exemplifying the strength and transformation of the migrant experience in the UK.

Adeni, a radiographer from Nigeria, relocated in 2018, leaving her young son behind to seek better opportunities. The hardest part was the separation, but she visited him every three months and worked extra shifts to reunite their family within a year. Despite the challenges of balancing work and parenting, she advanced her career by taking online courses during her commutes. After moving to a countryside hospital, she fostered community by creating a WhatsApp group for parents. Upon joining her new team, Adeni noticed that four recently hired Black employees had already resigned, highlighting a divide. Rather than retreating, she proposed a cultural bonding activity called a food swap, similar to "Secret Santa." Adeni brought jollof rice and received haggis from a Scottish colleague. Although participation was voluntary, many joined in, leading to positive changes in workplace dynamics and Adeni's long tenure there. Her determination and financial planning led to the significant achievement of buying her own house, all while navigating the complexities of being a single mother in a foreign land.

Meenu, a consultant GP from India, moved to the UK after marriage, needing to pass licensing exams to practice medicine. Living in London left her isolated while her husband worked long hours. Unable to connect with local religious communities reflective of her culture, she faced challenges adapting to her new life without a support network. A turning point came when she traveled alone to Heathrow Airport to pickup her visiting family, overcoming her fears and significantly boosting her confidence. 

What started as uncertainty gradually transformed into self-reliance. Her family back in India was surprised by the changes they observed in her. Meenu reflects on her culture shock not as a struggle to fit into a new environment but as a journey of discovering a more confident, capable version of herself—one who learned to thrive amid uncertainty. 

The stories of Adeni and Meenu highlight the resilience and courage of migrants as they create supportive communities and embrace their new lives.

This painting portrays the experiences of Adeya and Dhakiya, two African nurses whose journeys to the UK were marked by challenges and resilience. 

For Adeya, moving from Nigeria to the UK meant leaving behind a vibrant, social life for a more isolated, work-focused existence. “In Nigeria, you can just jump on the next bus to the next date and just see somebody. Someone can come to spend the weekend with you,” she shared. She faced loneliness, especially with her husband still in Nigeria, but she found support in her colleague, who helped her during difficult times. Through her colleague's, she discovered a sense of community that helped combat her loneliness. Adeya emphasized the importance of cultural understanding, recognizing that different perspectives enrich her nursing practice. “What is right to you may not make sense to someone else, and that doesn’t make either of you wrong,” she explained. As a nurse, she believes cultural competence is not just about professional skill but about tolerance, empathy and a willingness to learn from every interaction.

Dhakiya's journey from Kenya was shaped by significant financial hurdles and repeated failures in English language exams, each attempt requiring months of savings. "You can save for the exam in 2-3 days here in the UK,” she explained, “but in Kenya, it takes 2-3 months. Still, I just had to incur the cost, because my dream was to have that international experience.” After her registration with the NMC, Kenya was moved from the WHO's “green list” to “red list,” limiting her recruitment options. Rather than give up, she applied to hospitals directly and, despite endless rejections, she landed a mental health nursing job in Black Country Healthcare NHS Trust. In the UK, she received a warm welcome and support that made a crucial difference.

Her words encapsulate her determination: “You have to go out of your way. You have to risk in life.” Both nurses exemplify perseverance and the strength found in community.

This painting depicts the intertwined journeys of three healthcare professionals: Akin, a physiotherapist from Nigeria; Maya, a nurse from India; and Anashe, a GP from Zimbabwe. Although their experiences are unique, they unite through migration, adaptation, and leadership within the NHS.

At the center is Akin, who dedicates 15 to 30 minutes daily to support his colleagues. He views this time not as mere tasks, but as opportunities for learning and mentorship. “You either sacrifice money or time to gain experience,” he believed. And with that, Akin chose time. And in doing so, he cultivated an informal network of mentorship and mutual support. Through these intentional acts of care, he learned from more experienced staff, developed confidence, and demonstrated his dependability. His commitment earned him respect and led to a swift promotion to Band 7 within three years in the UK, highlighting how small, consistent efforts can lead to significant career advancements.

Next to Akin is Maya, who began her journey in 2012 after earning her nursing degree in India. Faced with systemic barriers, including the need for a full year of clinical experience and the high cost of redoing her degree, she persevered through multiple attempts at language exams and successfully navigated new policies in 2020 that allowed her to finally earn her nursing PIN after 12 years. Now a Band 6 Clinical Specialist Nurse, she plans to pursue a master’s degree, all while facing challenges like racism and a lack of familiar support in her new life.

In the background, Anashe navigates her new environment while reviewing scan results. Moving from Zimbabwe, she had to adapt to a faster-paced and more individualistic society. She’s learned to adjust her communication style, realizing that interactions in the UK are often indirect. Reflecting on her journey, she likens it to a river—constantly flowing, adapting to challenges, and giving life to others along the way.

This artwork showcases the powerful journeys of Chioma and Anvi, two women whose lives reflect strength, faith, and commitment to care.

Chioma, a nurse from Nigeria, has traveled across four continents—Nigeria, India, the US, and the UK. She emphasized that every place she visited taught her about its heart. Arriving in the UK, she faced personal and professional challenges, having left her children behind. Despite her extensive nursing experience from India, she found herself needing to relearn many aspects of her profession. “The medication here is not what I know—I have to learn it in this way… It’s like I started nursing all over again,” she said. Slowly, she regained her confidence and trust, realizing that “learning to re-learn is not about starting over, but about growing everywhere you land.”

Anvi, whose journey began in India, pursued nursing after a personal tragedy: losing her father due to medical negligence. Her early years in the UK were filled with hardship, as she lived in a small town with limited transportation and minimal income. After confiding in her manager, she was offered a position in Coventry, which provided her with a sense of community and belonging. However, life challenged her further when her husband became seriously ill. Anvi balanced his care, hospital visits, and raising their daughter while prioritizing her family's well-being over her aspirations. After 18 years, she recently earned her UK nursing pin, affirming her resilience. “I never gave up. I never gave up,” she said. “I was just thinking, I only had my faith with me. We have gone through so much—we don’t know how we’re up until now.”

She is portrayed in the upper right side of the painting, her profile stands among other nurses, symbolizing collective struggle and intergenerational strength, inviting viewers to recognize the often-hidden journeys of those who contribute significantly to the community.

This artwork portrays the migrant journeys of Elif and Gondo, two mental health nurses who moved to the UK seeking stability, and belonging. Their distinct stories share themes of cultural adaptation and the diverse ways migrants integrate their identities into new environments. 

Elif, from Turkey, highlights the challenges of understanding various accents, noting, “I never understood anything in the first weeks. When studying for my language exams, I prepared for British, Irish accents and so forth. But when I started working, I realised there were accents from everywhere—Africa, Asia, Europe. "Every accent is a new language”, she said. Her experience shows that accents symbolize the complexities of integration and communication, involving continuous learning about people and cultures. 

Gondo, from Zimbabwe, also speaks of disconnection but from a different angle. His reflection begins on the bus. In Zimbabwe, bus rides are lively, social events. “You can be on a bus with someone sitting next to you, and you're talking about everything”, he said. Arriving in London, Gondo was struck by the silence: no eye contact and no conversation. The contrast was felt right away. For Gondo, those silent rides symbolised a broader cultural shift—a world where connection has different rules, and social warmth must be actively sought.

Despite the challenges, Gondo found connection through participating through singing at Trust events, helping him integrate and express his identity.  “It helped me feel more connected to my workplace,” he said. That same year, he was also able to visit the Buckingham Palace and meet the King.

His migration story also involves tough choices; he opted to delay bringing his family to prioritize financial stability, balancing professional establishment with the desire to reunite. While his family remains in Zimbabwe, he continues to support them in hopes of a future together.

This artwork captures the intertwined journeys of Fred and Delilah, two migrant healthcare workers whose experiences reflect shared themes of adaptation, support, and resilience.

In the background, Delilah is depicted gazing at a London Underground map. She recounts a moment of getting lost in the intricate tube network with a colleague: “The lines are so complicated—we literally got lost, but somehow managed to get through it.” This instance of disorientation symbolizes her broader experience: as an only child, she found herself living alone in a new country for the first time, alongside taking her first international journey on her first plane ride. All the while, she was learning to navigate a foreign healthcare system. Her words resonate profoundly: “You can't find your journey on somebody else's map.”

In the foreground, Fred’s portrait shines brightly, portraying a proud smile. He reflects on the cultural differences encountered in care settings: “There’s no heater in Nigeria or the Philippines. People lack that understanding.” He elaborates on the challenges faced, such as answering phone calls in the middle of the night to support colleagues with their queries. These experiences highlight the nuanced realities of Internationally Educated Nurses, whom he describes as some of the most vulnerable populations navigating complex professional landscapes.

The painting embodies Fred’s philosophy of individualized support—a quiet, steadfast form of leadership that transcends cultural differences. It honors the unsung heroism of those who answer calls at midnight, offer help and encouragement, and create space for others. It reminds us that true community is built not only through grand gestures but also through everyday presence.

This painting tells the story of Kiara, an Indian nurse whose move from Dubai to the UK symbolizes a brave step beyond comfort, driven by dreams nurtured since college.

In the artwork, Kiara stands proudly at the center, framed by soft symbols of her transition—architectural hints of Dubai and Bristol behind her. To her left, cool blues and greens reflect the calm of her past; to her right, warm reds and yellows represent the challenges and growth she has found. While Kiara enjoyed a stable life in Dubai, she felt the urge to pursue her dream of working in the NHS. In Dubai, Kiara had a stable life—her husband a bank manager, her own nursing position secure. But something within her stirred. “I didn’t want to break the comfortable zone,” she reflected. “But later, I thought—no. I need to take challenges. Let me achieve my dream.”

Through dedication and support from her A&E team, she advanced from Band 5 to Band 6 in just two years. However, her transition involved emotional and cultural challenges. The vibrant lifestyle of Dubai contrasted sharply with the quieter UK rhythms, and the distance from family felt immense. 

Even communication presented challenges. Time itself was spoken differently. “In Dubai, we say 4:30, 4:25, 5:50… but here it’s ‘half past four’ or ‘quarter to five’.” Beyond language, she encountered differences in facial expressions and non-verbal cues. “Sometimes when I’m talking to a patient, they understand; at times, they don’t.” Adapting meant learning when to speak, when to listen, and how to navigate unspoken cultural codes.

Kiara’s journey reflects her philosophy of never giving up and always moving forward. Despite cultural shifts, emotional distance, and the pull of a more comfortable life, she chose transformation. Her story is a quiet but powerful reminder that meaningful change often begins with a single act of courage—and a willingness to leave comfort behind in pursuit of something greater.

This painting tells the story of Kwame, an occupational therapist from Ghana, whose journey to the UK has been filled with challenges and cultural surprises, fueling his commitment to inclusion and support for others.

Kwame’s first lessons in migration came wrapped in humour. “I was really excited that I was coming in the summer,” he recalled. But, I was shocked by the cold the moment I got off the plane.“Coming from Ghana where it’s 35, 37, 38 degrees… I checked the temperature, and it was 14. I was literally freezing.” 

Language barriers also posed a significant challenge. Despite regularly listening to the BBC, Kwame struggled with UK accents and fast conversations. On my first day, I joined a handover and I couldn’t understand anything. I was lost.” Too afraid to admit it, he kept quiet, mentally straining to follow along. “It was mentally draining. You’re using all your senses—your ears, your eyes, your mind. I got home completely exhausted.” Recognising the challenge, his team enrolled him in a 9-week language integration programme. “That class really helped. It supported my integration.” 

Beyond his clinical work, Kwame became involved in his trust’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion team. He was involved in the ethnicity forum, a voluntary role aimed at creating safe spaces for marginalised voices. “I believe people go through things silently. They just need someone to listen to them.”

In the painting, Kwame is portrayed assisting a patient, with a soft expression of humour, humility, and resolve.

This painting tells the story of Marin, an internationally educated nurse who began her journey in Romania with a dream of becoming a veterinarian. After a traumatic experience with her dog, she shifted her focus to accounting, but longed for meaningful connections. Moving to Italy, she found herself in caregiving due to economic challenges, which she hadn’t expected. 

In her 30s, Marin finally completed her nursing studies and moved to the UK, only to be confronted with the harsh realities of financial burdens, particularly childcare costs. "How will I manage? How will I work when childcare costs more than my entire salary?", she said. Despite these obstacles, she persevered and now works as a clinical practice facilitator, showcasing her strength and commitment.

In the painting, Marin’s smiles proudly, surrounded by silhouettes of her healthcare team, symbolizing the support she received. A silhouette of a woman with her dog in the background nods to Marin’s early aspirations, capturing her emotional journey from veterinary dreams to nursing.

This artwork highlights the journeys of Melvin and Micah, two internationally educated nurses whose experiences of migration demonstrate perseverance, community, and purpose amid uncertainty.

Melvin faced significant challenges when he graduated into a saturated job market, initially working as a volunteer and teaching nursing subjects. He gained his first official non-clinical nursing role in 2013. In 2016, his wife migrated to the UK as a nurse, prompting him to return to clinical practice. After a year of skill refreshment, he joined her in 2019, where he found a supportive community that helped him thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic. Melvin emphasized that community was crucial to his journey, helping him transition from surviving to thriving. “In a foreign land, our community becomes our anchor, our strength—together, we navigate challenges that would break us alone,” he shared.

Micah's migration story began in 2009 through the NHS Overseas Nursing Program. Despite facing rejection for a Band 6 position six times, her positive mindset kept her resilient. Each interview became a learning experience, leading her to a Band 7 role. Micah also supported new nurses by enhancing pastoral care and providing small comforts from home, believing in the power of simple gestures.

Her personal symbol is a lamp. “Be the kind of light that you wanted to be,” she said. “Be the light that will guide yourself and other people. It can be slow and dim or bright, depending on your preference.”

Together, Melvin and Micah illuminate the emotional complexities of migration, showcasing how ambition, sacrifice, and community bonds can foster personal growth and resilience.

This painting portrays the intertwined stories of Raponcel, Jessica, and Ssiren, three migrant healthcare workers whose journeys reflect grief, resilience, and community support. 

Raponcel, a mammographer from the Philippines, is depicted with her homeland in the background and the distance to the UK marked as “10,728 km.” In 2021, she faced a challenging decision when her mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. “I struggled whether I should go back or stay here,” she recalled. “But reality check—we have bills to pay.”, she said. Despite wanting to return home, her financial responsibilities kept her in the UK. After her mother's sudden passing in 2023, her church and workplace provided vital emotional support, helping her navigate her grief.

Ssiren, now an advanced clinical practitioner and radiographer, initially visited the UK to see her sister but seized the opportunity to work. As the first Filipino radiographer at her hospital, she faced discrimination but proved herself through hard work and kindness. “I proved to them that Filipinos are not just about colour or the way we speak,” she shared. Cultural storytelling played a key role in building bridges. She introduced her colleagues to the central role of rice in Filipino life that sparked their curiosity and appreciation. She fostered connections by sharing Filipino culture, transforming her experience from isolation to belonging.

Jessica, an oncology haematology clinical nurse specialist, recalls the challenges of her early UK career. During her first days in the UK, she shared, “If the phone rings, I’ll let others pick it up". Overwhelmed by the British accent, she found comfort in direct patient care, emphasizing the linguistic and cultural barriers migrant nurses encounter and the strategies they develop to thrive in unfamiliar environments.

This painting tells the story of Ria, an internationally educated nurse and educator. IIn the artwork, Ria is shown in her nursing uniform, radiating pride, alongside a white silhouette symbolising her role as an educator beside a wound trolley. The subtle figures of other nurses in the background represent those influenced by her guidance.

“Teaching was my passion,” she reflects, a conviction that began in India during her MSc in Nursing. Though her husband’s job in the Middle East interrupted her teaching path, Ria sought opportunities to educate, organizing trainings, and inviting nursing directors to observe her efforts in Saudi Arabia. Her initiative eventually led to her promotion as Deputy Manager in a field where opportunities for migrant nurses were scarce.

Her philosophy is clear:  “Don’t feel like fate will bring something for you… We have to do our part. Opportunities are rare—we must see them and have the courage to take that risk". She urges others to pursue Continuing Professional Development, seek mentorship, and follow their true passion rather than just seeking promotions.

Ria’s journey to the UK exemplifies persistence. After cancelling a planned move to Canada, she advanced in Saudi Arabia before aiming for the UK. Initially accepted at King’s College Hospital but declining due to living costs, she faced setbacks with COVID-19 before receiving an offer from Great Western Hospital. Despite numerous challenges, she arrived in December 2020.
In the UK, Ria returned to teaching. One memorable moment came during an OSCE training session, when her own former trainer sat in to observe. Ria felt nervous—but after the session, her mentor told her: “You’ve done really well.” That comment, simple and sincere, validated her years of dedication.

This painting tells the story of Simi, whose journey from Dubai to the UK highlights the power of passion, adaptability, and community amid change. 

Seeking career growth as a nurse, Simi faced both humorous and challenging moments, like when a colleague misinterpreted “raining cats and dogs,” escalating it to a consultant. This incident illustrated the language barriers that international nurses often navigate.

Initially, Simi felt the need to prove herself by doing everything alone, tied to her cultural expectations. She soon realized that the UK healthcare system values collaboration and that seeking support is a strength. “Initially, I have that idea. My culture and my training was something we need to throw ourselves actually, rather than seeking support.” she admitted. Through mentoring and training, she learned that patient safety takes precedence over personal pride.

Her journey reinforced the idea that passion and community help international healthcare workers overcome challenges. In just seven months, Simi advanced from Band 5 to Band 6, became an Excellence Facilitator, and co-founded a network for internationally educated staff. She organized a conference for Kerala nurses and actively supports her colleagues, saying, “If you face any challenges, come back to me.”

Her experience taught her that seeking support helps us grow even the most difficult transitions. “Every international nurse struggles a lot, but passion and community can overcome challenges,” she reflected.

This painting depicts the stories of Adhya and Dhriti, internationally educated nurses who are nurse directors in their Trust.

Dhriti, portrayed in the background, left India in her early twenties to begin a new chapter in Saudi Arabia. It was the first time she had ever lived away from her family “It was a personal struggle,” she shared. “I left my parents, my siblings, my friends… there was homesickness.” The unfamiliar surroundings and lack of a personal support system made her early years abroad difficult.

Over time, Dhriti found strength in those hardships. “Being away from family and familiar support systems contributed to unfamiliar emotional experiences,” she explained. “These challenges strengthened my adaptability, enhanced my cross-cultural communication skills, and deepened my commitment to caring in diverse settings.”, she said.

At the centre of the artwork is Adhya. One of her earliest memories in the UK was seeing snow for the first time while travelling over the Pennines. They just arrived from India and were so thrilled that they begged the driver to stop so they could admire it.

“The first five to six months were the hardest,” she recalled. She and her colleagues would huddle in long coats, queuing in red phone boxes to call home. “I’d wait just to hear a voice—my father, my husband—for five minutes. Back then, a call cost five pounds, which was a lot. I’d speak for two and a half minutes to my dad, and the rest to my husband.” These experiences reveal some of the emotional costs of building a life far away from home.

More challenges followed. Adhya woke up one morning to find racist graffiti across the front of her home. “It said, ‘Go home Paki,’” she said. “I didn’t even know what that word meant.” Her confusion quickly turned to fear. “I was really scared, and I thought, why are they doing this to us? I’ve come here to work, to make a living. I’ve come to help. Why are they not seeing that?” Thankfully, her manager immediately informed the police and the council. Members of the local community brought flowers in solidarity which was a huge gesture of compassion.

Upon hearing news of her father’s sudden passing, her manager responded without hesitation: “Take the next flight. Go home. We’ll sort everything out here.” That simple, compassionate gesture left a lasting impression on Adhya. It showed not only empathy but a recognition of cultural differences in how grief and support are understood. She returned to work just a few weeks later, surprising her colleagues. “In the UK, people take time to grieve,” they told her. But Adhya explained, “If I’m at home, I’m alone. There’s no one to pop in and support me. But if I’m here, with you, working—I’m with people who care. That helps me heal.” The experience affirmed her belief that small, thoughtful actions can make a profound difference: “It’s not the great things - it’s the small things that make a lot of difference.”

“Once we learn to truly celebrate diversity, inclusiveness follows automatically,” she said. Her story is not one of dramatic declarations, but of everyday humanity: a neighbour offering flowers, a manager offering time, a nurse offering care.

Adhya’s story reminds us that migration is not only a movement across borders—it’s a journey across emotional landscapes. And that sometimes, it is the smallest kindnesses that light the way.

This painting tells the story of Micah, an internationally educated nurse whose journey is marked by compassion and courage amidst systemic and personal challenges. Arriving in the UK just before the pandemic, she faced a difficult transition. “It was challenging,” she shared. “You’re new to the country, to the NHS, and then this happened.” The early days were marked by adjustment, illness, and emotional hardship. “You wipe your tears. You stand, and you go outside, tell yourself: this is what you came here for?”, she said.

Settling in Dorchester, a conservative retirement town with few cultural resources like Asian stores, Micah struggled to find familiar food and a sense of belonging. While balancing a full-time job and studying for her nurse practitioner role, she worked tirelessly to adapt to the new healthcare system.

Despite these obstacles, Micah focused on building community, establishing support networks for overseas workers in Dorchester and Dorset County Hospital. These groups provided vital connections for healthcare workers from diverse backgrounds, offering emotional support and solidarity. “I was passionate about supporting overseas workers, especially those with kids,” she noted. These networks became a lifeline for international staff—places to share, to be heard, and to find strength in one another.

For Micah, nursing is a calling that requires not just skill, but also resilience and heart. “I don’t think everyone will sign up to clean poo, go to a sluice and get shouted at by a struggling patient—and then still smile at the end of the day,” she reflected. “It takes courage. It takes passion for you to do this," she added. “It was never an easy fight,” she said, “but I wanted to learn more.” The artwork depicts her with a hopeful aura, emphasizing her role as a creator of safe spaces. Micah’s story highlights how support systems are forged by those who need them most, transforming the NHS into a place of belonging.

This painting depicts the journeys of Nandini, a GP, and Prisha, a nurse, highlighting themes of growth, humor and adaptation.

Nandini’s journey spanned three countries. In India, she evolved from a sheltered student to an empathetic professional while working with HIV patients in rural settings, understanding poverty.“You go beyond materialistic things. You see people suffering in real life,” she recalled. In Dubai, she managed COVID-19 communications, gaining insights into the importance of collective action. In the UK, the NHS's ethos of universal care resonated deeply with her. “I don’t have to say no to anybody because I’m supposed to be serving them,” she said. Her overarching reflection: “I became much more grateful in life. For us, it’s a daily thing to come to the hospital, for the patient, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”

A lighter, yet symbolic anecdote, her first visit to Wellington’s Cock Hotel, showcased her experience of cultural differences. Embarrassed to pronounce the hotel’s name to a bus driver, she later learned it was tied to the town’s history of rooster fighting. The story became a metaphor for her migrant experience: misunderstanding transformed through curiosity and humour. She said, “I just smile through it,”, summing her approach to life.

Prisha arrived in Shrewsbury from a bustling Indian city, facing the challenge of her new quiet environment. “It’s beautiful, calm, serene—but where are the happenings? It’s too quiet for me,” she recalled. Encouraged by her manager, she stepped into a Practice Education Facilitator role, creating a transition program for new international nurses, something she wished had existed when she arrived. 

Her early days were filled with difficulty. She faced COVID-related challenges, inadequate PPE, delayed OSCEs, no support system, and housing and transportation issues. “We had to look for houses on foot, taxis weren’t even running,”she said. She was among the fourth cohort of international nurses at her trust, arriving before structured support had been established.

One particularly tender moment stands out. When Prisha was unwell and alone, her colleagues brought her food and companionship. “They filled that void,” she said. “They were there, talking to me, comforting me… I wasn’t by myself.