Sheffield Children’s celebrates LGBT+ history

February is LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, plus) history month and at Sheffield Children’s we are recognising it across the Trust. The month is an annual celebration that provides education and insight into the issues that the LGBT+ community faces.

At Sheffield Children’s, colleagues across the Trust and our LGBT+ network have put together a month with information, activities and events to celebrate history, share knowledge and talk widely about LGBT+ issues.

February also marks a year since the launch of the Sheffield Children’s Rainbow Badge scheme. The badge scheme is one way young people and families can be reassured that the Trust is an open, non-judgemental and inclusive place for people who identify as LGBT+. Over 45% of staff at Sheffield Children’s are now wearing the NHS Rainbow Badge.

After completing an online learning package, they have chosen to identify themselves as someone who is open and a safe person to speak to about issues surrounding sexuality and gender identity. The online learning package consists of information around the challenges LGBT+ young people face and the local and national resources available to support them. You can find out more about the scheme here: https://nhs.infuseddev.co.uk/news/sheffield-childrens-launches-rainbow-badge-scheme-to-support-lgbt-patients-families-and-colleagues/

We hope that alongside the work we are doing to address education and inequalities, this month-long celebration will contribute to a culture of belonging, inclusion and understanding.

Activities this February for staff include:

• Sharing a library of LGBT+ books and films recommended by LGBT+ network members to help promote better understanding of the community
• Staff reflections on why LGBT+ month is so important in the UK and to healthcare
• Talks for staff by Dr Brady – NHS Advisor & Government Equalities Office advisor on health inequalities in LGBT+ community and  Steph Meech – talking about Transgender in Healthcare
• Promoting a raft of national awareness events across the country for staff to attend and further their understanding

We would like to thank all contributions from the LGBT+ network and the Rainbow Badge group, and for their hard work helping shape a more inclusive and educated Sheffield Children’s. We hope you will join us in celebration for LGBT+ history month.

Keep a look out for more information ​throughout the month!