NHS teams celebrate 10th Norwich Pride
NHS teams from Norfolk, supported by the Royal College of Nursing and Unison, joined the 10th Norwich Pride parade on Saturday 28th July 2018.
Staff from Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust (NCH&C), Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NNUH) and Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) marked 10 years of Norwich Pride and 70 years of the NHS in the colourful extravaganza.
Staff choirs from NCH&C and NNUH provided entertainment at the front of the parade, celebrating the message that the NHS is open to all as a place to work and receive treatment. Meanwhile, NSFT and its Wellbeing Service were on hand with information about the services and support they offer, making the most of this important opportunity to engage with members of the LGBT community about mental health issues.
NCH&C’s new LGBT Staff Ambassador, David Leaper said: “I was so proud to be taking part in the 10th Pride event in Norwich. It’s amazing that it also coincided with NHS70 too – it was a great celebration. NCH&C is very keen to promote that we are an inclusive employer and provider of community health and care. We are open to all as a place to receive treatment or work. I am proud to be working with the Trust to ensure LGBT staff and patients have an outstanding experience.”
Ravi Seenan, NSFT’s Head of Equalities and Engagement, said: “It was great to be part of such a colourful, vibrant event. We met so many wonderful people and it was a perfect opportunity to chat about mental health issues with people in the LGBT community.
“It was a real privilege to take part in this year’s Pride event and celebrate the richness of our local community.
“As a public sector organisation, we are keen to build a strong relationship with all our diverse communities and the Pride event gave us a great opportunity to engage with local people.
“We value our staff from LGBT communities who play a key role in providing a service that is fair and accessible for all.”
Ashley Judd, Deputy Director of Workforce at NNUH, said: “We had a fantastic day seeking feedback from our local community, specifically on ‘What would make NNUH a great employer from a LGBTQ perspective?’ and signposting people to apprenticeship information and job opportunities at NNUH.
“Norwich Pride’s vision is to turn Norwich into a rainbow, with its mission to ensure that we live in a city where everyone can feel safe and proud to be themselves. NNUH were proud to be part of the event!”