I first worked in ASCH in 2008 in a Contracting role working with care organisations and the voluntary sector, progressing on to become a service manager, and then moving to public health. Here I support specialist teams with commissioning activity including Resettlement and Homes4Ukraine, mental health and suicide prevention, recovery from substance use, community resilience and NHS Health Checks – a screening programme for cardiovascular disease. It is a broad and rewarding role working with great colleagues.
I have been lucky to work with supportive colleagues and managers and been able to be open about my sexuality. However, I know that is not the case for everyone.
Stonewall reported in January this year that:
- 39% of LGBTQ+ employees still feel the need to hide their identity at work
- 36% have heard discriminatory comments about LGBTQ+ colleagues
- 31% do not feel they can be themselves at work; of these, 53% have experienced discrimination
- 31% would not feel comfortable reporting homophobic or biphobic bullying
That is where the Pride Network comes in. The network offers peer support and allyship to LGBTQ+ colleagues through news, updates, one-to-one support, and meetings throughout the year. In a time of negative national and international rhetoric about LGBTQ+ communities and rights it is important we have a forum to come together, highlight areas of concern, press for action, and support the council to improve. Everyone has the right to come to work and feel safe and valued.
Since joining the network I have been involved with IDAHOBIT day, a members survey, Belper Pride and now planning Trans Awareness week. It can be difficult to find the time when we are all so busy, but I can honestly say it is a really rewarding role and I have met some wonderful people.
Please consider joining the network as we are stronger together.