Trust celebrates Southend Pride
26 July 2018
Representatives from Southend University Hospital took part in the town’s first Pride festival in 15 years on Saturday 21 July to celebrate the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender plus (LGBT+) community.
Over 4,500 people were in attendance to enjoy the day in 27
degree heat and glorious sunshine.
Southend Hospital had a stall in Warrior Square, staffed by the
equality diversity and inclusion team and staff who volunteered to
assist and who also managed to raise £51.07 through collection tins
for the Trust's For Wards Appeal
The aim was to showcase how Southend supports and champions LGBT
staff within the NHS and promote the diverse workforce including
other Diversity Network Groups (BAME, Faith and Disability).
The LGBT+ network group is open and transparent and gives people
a voice, enabling discussions in a safe and welcoming environment,
raising awareness and advancing education on matters affecting the
LGBT+ community.
Julie Newton, Employee Relations Advisor and LGBT+ Group member
at Southend Hospital, said: "I'm really pleased that Southend
Hospital could be part of Southend Pride this year. We spoke to
lots of people including members of staff from Basildon and Mid
Essex hospitals who journeyed to Southend to join in the
celebrations.
"Having a presence at Pride festival encouraged other members of
staff who we met on the day to register their interest in joining
our network group which is fantastic and we look forward to
welcoming them at our next meeting."
Louise McIver, Equality and Diversity Manager said: "The NHS is
a diverse organisation and as we're launching several equality and
diversity network groups this year we wanted to take this
opportunity to take part and celebrate with the community."
If you're interested in joining the Trust's LGBT+ network group,
please contact Julie Newton, julie.newton@southend.nhs.uk
for more information.
