It's not just about wearing a badge; there are simple things we can all do to promote inclusion:

  • Use inclusive language in all discussions
  • Affirm the identity a person chooses to use
  • Assure confidentiality

You may be the first person someone has ever felt confident enough to open up to about how they feel. For them, it may be one of the most important moments of their life, and how you respond to it is something they will remember.

The badges aren't designed as a symbol intended to prompt disclosures, but they may prompt a person to disclose information about their own sexuality or gender identity, perhaps for the first time. Wearing a badge doesn't mean you'll have all the answers, but, most importantly, you should be prepared to listen and signpost to relevant information.

 

Occasionally, you may feel a person's disclosure means they need more immediate support or that they are at risk.

There is always someone to ask for advice and, in the first instance, we recommend contacting the Trust's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor, Alison Paul on 01925 664 061 or email: alison.paul@nwbh.nhs.uk

 

If you need to direct a service user to support or advice, our website explains what the rainbow badge scheme is and signposts to local and national resources: www.nwbh.nhs.uk/rainbow-badge   

 

Local

National

  • National charity Stonewall offers resources to support LGBT+ people: www.stonewall.org.uk
  • LGBT Foundation provides a wide range of support services to LGBT+ people: www.lgbt.foundation Advice, support and information telephone line: 0345 3 30 30 30
  • The Albert Kennedy Trust provides support for LGBT+ people who are homeless or living in a hostile home environment: www.akt.org.uk
  • Juno Dawson's This Book is Gay is a guide to sexuality and gender for young people, written by a young adult author and available to buy online
  • Gendered Intelligence is a not-for-profit community interest company aiming to increase understanding of gender diversity: www.genderedintelligence.co.uk  
  • The charity Mermaids works to raise awareness about gender nonconformity in children and young people: www.mermaidsuk.org.uk
  • The Proud Trust provides LGBT+ youth information: www.theproudtrust.org
  • Gay Farmers' helpline – someone to talk to who understands the farming situation as well as what it is like to be gay. Call 07837 931 894 or email: info@gayfarmer.co.uk