News

On the 50^th anniversary of the very first official London Pride event, colleagues attended an event to raise awareness of the NHS’ support of the LGBTQI+ community.

The milestone event was held at Torpoint community college on 1 July along with other dates across the county. The event was hosted by the Intercom Trust, a lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans+ charity. They work across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and the wider south west.

The event was organised by Steve Cannon, who is part of the Intercom Trust and works with our LGBTQI+ service users. Steve often visits persons who might be struggling with their identity, gender, or sexuality alongside their mental health illness.

Throughout the event, attendees could listen to guest speakers talk about pride and what it means to them. As well as watching presentations on how the very first pride event in London bought about change and legalisation. They could also take part in workshops around LGBTQI+ activism.

"It felt so important to be at this event hosted by the Intercom Trust on a professional and personal level.

“To be able to represent the NHS sent out a very powerful message to people to say that the NHS embraces the LGBTQI+ community. Whether they be staff, our service users, or our visitors. It demonstrated the commitment of supporting our LGBTQI+ community on all platforms. As well as the willingness to work with partners such as the Intercom Trust, Devon and Cornwall Police, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (FFLAG), education and other NHS Trusts and services.

“On a personal level, it feels incredibly empowering to stand tall with my head held high in front of everybody. To say that I was proud to be a lesbian, but also to show my sincere gratitude to all those LGBTQI+ campaigners before me to enable me to do this and feel safe." Claire Welsford

Claire Welsford, a trainee mental health and wellbeing practitioner for the Trust attended the event. Claire was there to raise awareness of services such as Outlook Southwest and talking therapies and myth bust. We also showed that the NHS stands in allegiance with those who are part of the LGBTQI+ community. As well as speaking to those who might be interested in joining the NHS as a place of work after their studies.

“Having Claire attend as an out and proud member of staff working and supporting people in the NHS was really important. So many young people rarely see visibility or connect with people in positions of authority. To have an actual person they could see and speak to about the NHS and know that there are people within it that do care and are concerned about LGBTQI+ young people was vital for them to hear.

“Next year’s events will be themed ‘pride in your workplace’. We hope to welcome Claire and others that want to share their experiences of working for the NHS as LGBTQI+ people.” Steve Cannon, Intercom Trust

Additionally, the Trust runs a network group every other month for staff who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning or other. The group provides a safe and confidential space for all staff to discuss any issues they might have and receive support. It is a place to network, receive mentoring or coaching. As well as a chance to engage and collaborate with the Trust’s other networking groups. Staff wishing to join the LGBTQI+ network should email Rachel Tofts.

Find out more about the Intercom Trust and its work with the LGBTQI+ community.