SHIRLEY’S STORY:
A NURSE’S JOURNEY FROM BRITISH GUIANA TO BRIGHTON
Shirley Williams née Prashad arrival in Brighton formed a crucial chapter of her journey from British Guiana (now Guyana) to the United Kingdom.
In the early 1960s, Shirley Prashad arrived in Brighton from British Guiana (now Guyana), marking the start of a remarkable new chapter in her life. Inspired by her father, a pharmacist, Shirley had always wanted to work in healthcare. So, when she heard her cousin had started nurse training at Brighton General Hospital, she saw a chance to follow her dream in a new country, with the comfort of family nearby.
Shirley travelled to the UK with her parents, aunt, and cousin on a long flight with British Airways. After briefly passing through London, it was Brighton that captured her heart. With its grand buildings, busy shopping streets, and lively seafront, the city felt exciting and full of opportunity. It was a world away from the warmth and colour of her home country, but Brighton’s friendly atmosphere made it easier to settle in.
Starting a New Life in Brighton
Soon after arriving, Shirley began her training at Brighton General Hospital. This would become more than just a workplace. It was where she learned her profession, formed lifelong friendships, and found her place in British life.
The hospital was home to students from many different countries. This mix of cultures helped Shirley feel less alone and more connected to those around her. For her first six months, her parents stayed in Brighton to support her as she adjusted to her new life. Their presence gave her strength and stability during those early, unfamiliar days.
Adapting to Change
When her parents returned to Guyana, Shirley felt the deep pull of homesickness. She found comfort by visiting her aunt and uncle in London, but it was Brighton where her training and her future lay. Through determination and the support of her fellow students, Shirley began to grow in confidence. She made friends, explored the city, and found moments of peace along the seafront after long shifts at the hospital.
As she settled in, Brighton started to feel like home. It wasn’t just where she worked. It was where she lived, grew, and built a future. The strong sense of community at the hospital, especially among other immigrants who understood the challenges of being far from home, helped her feel she belonged.
Part of a Bigger Picture
Shirley’s story is just one of many. During the 1950s and 60s, people from across the Caribbean came to Britain to support the newly formed National Health Service (NHS). They brought essential skills and played a vital role in building a strong, caring healthcare system. At the same time, they brought new cultures, languages, and traditions that enriched British society.
Brighton General Hospital was more than a place of work for Shirley. It was a place where people from different backgrounds met, supported one another, and shared their knowledge. The friendships she made and the lessons she learned helped shape her career and her identity as a nurse, and as a new resident of Brighton.
A Lasting Legacy
Shirley’s connection to Brighton stayed strong throughout her life. The city, and the hospital at its heart, gave her a home, a purpose, and a future. Her journey reflects the wider story of post-war migration. It was a time when people from the Commonwealth made enormous contributions to British life.
Her experience reminds us how Brighton has been shaped by people from around the world. People like Shirley brought not just their skills, but their hopes, strength, and determination. Their stories form an important part of the city’s history and deserve to be remembered.
