talking wellness proudly supports June Pride month
Date added: 23 June 2022
June is Pride month, and talking wellness has been quietly doing its own bit to support our LGBTQ+ community by recognising and celebrating the diverse workforce the NHS has.
Over the course of the past few weeks, as well as proudly flying the PRIDE flags on its big blue bus, the talking wellness team has been taking the opportunity of opening up conversations for staff to talk about any concern, big or small, they may have relating to LGBTQIA issues and mental health, both in an out of the work place; supporting and encouraging staff to feel safe and confident to bring their authentic and whole self to work.
Lou Nixon, is a mental health practitioner, occupational therapist and a member of the talking wellness team - Lou is also a proud member of the LGBTQ+ and NHS staff community.
Lou said: “As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ and NHS staff community I have always felt passionately about all staff being able to bring their whole selves to work. Despite this there may be many members of staff out there who do not feel confident to do so.
“As part of our talking wellness bus tour, we wanted to use the very visual blue bus as a means of enabling people to feel safe to start those conversations.
“We also know that rates of mental ill health can be higher in the LGBTQ+ community, so it is even more vital that we are open to these sorts of conversations. It is essential that we work together to create an environment where all staff can feel safe and free to disclose and talk about themselves without fear of discrimination. I am very lucky to be able to say I have never felt unable to be anything but who I am at work, however this may not be the case for others. If you need someone to talk to, talking wellness is here for you”
The talking wellness service is Kent and Medway’s staff mental health and wellbeing service. It is a free service available to all NHS and social care staff without the need for a GP referral. Contact details for the service are:
Email: kmpt.wellbeingwebsite@nhs.net
Website: www.kentandmedwayccg.nhs.uk/staff-wellbeing-support
Or scan the QR code below to use Limbic, our friendly automated chatbot
