Posted on: 7 March 2024
February was LGBT+ History Month and the theme for this year was Medicine: Under The Scope, celebrating LGBT+ peoples’ contribution to the field of medicine and healthcare both historically and today.
CNWL’s LGBT+ Staff Network, Pride@CNWL, had a packed programme of events, Q&As, discussions, socials where we’ll shine a light on LGBT+ staff experiences at CNWL and beyond.
In response to valuable feedback from patients about the need for increased visibility and awareness during LGBT+ History Month and Pride Month, our team at Hillingdon Services organised an interactive stall designed to educate, engage, and celebrate the rich diversity of the LGBT+ community within CNWL. The event was not only to provide visibility but also to foster a sense of inclusion and belonging among all patients and staff.
The stall had a variety of engaging materials and activities including informative handouts that highlighted key moments in LGBT+ history and significant figures who have championed LGBT+ rights. Recognising the importance of ongoing education and support, the stall also featured a sign-up sheet for staff networks, encouraging staff to become active participants in discussing LGBTQ issues. One of the highlights of the stall was the interactive quiz, which not only served as an educational tool but also sparked conversations and deepened understanding of LGBTQ+ issues.
Oscar Patton-Lyons, Advanced Lived Experience Practitioner, said
Our team was thrilled with the success of the event and the opportunity it provided to engage directly with service users on such an important topic. The stall not only allowed us to address the feedback from service users but also demonstrated our commitment to fostering an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.