Pride awareness helps to recognise the difficulties LGBTQIA+ colleagues and patients/service users may experience in their lives both within and outside the workplace. These may be in the forms of discrimination at work, harassment in their community, or limited rights in society. Pride awareness opens opportunities for our LGBTQIA+ colleagues and patients/service users to seek and be provided with support. The awareness and recognition of Pride in the workplace helps to provide a safe and encouraging space for LGBTQIA+ employees to share their ideas and contribute to their full potential.  It also brings about a feeling that their opinions are being heard and they have a community that appreciates them.

This Pride Month we are delighted to continue showing colleagues and patients/service users that we are committed to LGBTQIA+ equality, reflect on the work still to do and understand the current challenges facing the community.

Hayley Flavell, Executive Director of Nursing at SaTH, said: “As a Trust, we are fully committed to becoming a more inclusive place for colleagues, patients, and visitors, and we all have a part to play in this. While Pride month is just one month in a year, taking steps to foster a Pride-loving workplace is a whole year and day-to-day effort. I am delighted to be the executive lead for SaTH Pride, our LGBTQIA+ staff network. The network meets monthly via MS Teams and all colleagues are welcome. This network creates a sense of belonging for all colleagues and an inclusive and safe work environment.”

SaTH has an array of activities happening throughout Pride Month.

• SaTH is proud to be a part of the NHS Rainbow Badge initiative. The initiative gives colleagues a visible way to show that we offer non-judgemental and inclusive care for our communities who identify as LGBTQIA+. The EDI team has NHS Rainbow Badges available for colleagues. You can collect one from each of the hospital libraries once you pledge to show your solidarity and support for people in the LGBTQIA+ community.
• We will be projecting a rainbow flag on to the side of RSH for the month of June, as well as rainbow bunting
• We have a bespoke MS Teams background available for all colleagues
• A new elearning programme has been designed to educate all NHS staff and improve their experiences both as part of the workforce and as patients
• Information stands in our libraries and outside our restaurants
• We have hosted awareness workshops focusing on LGBTQIA+ carers and inequalities