The KeepingWell NCL Hub wishes the LGBTQ+ Community a very happy Pride Month!
Pride month is primarily a time of celebration, but it is also a time of reflection and protest. We know that the LGBTQ+ population still face some barriers to equal rights and opportunities and that unfortunately this contributes to negative experiences in and out of the workplace. It is crucial that employers have open conversations at work about the experiences of their LGBTQ+ staff and that staff feel heard and supported.
At the KeepingWell NCL Hub we advocate all year round for everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. We work to promote safe and nurturing work environments where people can realise their full potential.
KeepingWell NCL is available to support staff members who feel they would benefit from a supportive space or to consider how they might best support their colleagues. Please contact us our team at keepingwell.ncl@nhs.net and a practitioner will arrange a time to speak with you.
For managers who are seeking to support their staff, our Wellbeing Conversations page contains guidance on having or starting conversations with staff about their wellbeing.
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline: A safe space offering resources, online support and referral services for anyone to discuss anything including sexuality, gender, identity, sexual health and emotional wellbeing:
elop is a holistic centre that offers a range of social, emotional and support services to LGBT communities. This includes counselling, young people’s services, training and consultancy.
For LGBTQ+ mental health support and resources, you can visit Mind:
The LGBT Foundation is a national charity delivering advice, support and information services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities.
NHS Employers have collated these LGBTQ+ related resources and guidance which highlight some of the challenges facing LGBTQ+ staff in the NHS.
https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/supporting-your-lgbtq-workforce
To find out more about how you can make small changes in your workplace to make it more inclusive for your LGBTQ+ colleagues, read this blogpost from the NHS Confederation:
