We are seeking your help!
We know that access to hospice and other forms of expert palliative and end of life care is currently inequitable for people from LGBT+ communities. We are working hard to tackle this inequality, by partnering with Derbyshire LGBT+ towards Rainbow Accreditation.
As part of this ongoing project, we would like to hear voices from members of LGBT+ communities, who’d be happy to volunteer their time to share their valuable guidance, advice and information.
To provide everyone who needs it with the highest levels of care, and to ensure the hospice is a truly inclusive place to be, we know that we have to offer support that considers personal choice, and meet every individual’s needs.
We recognise that historically, people from LGBT+ communities have experienced discrimination and inequality within healthcare and at their places of work. We know that to really understand and overcome these barriers, we need to establish trust within LGBT+ communities.
Derbyshire LGBT+ is providing valuable training for staff members across the hospice to give them a better understanding of LGBT+ communities and the additional concerns and needs that LGBT+ people may have when they, or a loved one, is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness.
To support and guide us on our Rainbow Accreditation journey, we are seeking local people from LGBT+ communities who would be happy to be involved in a focus group to share their experiences, ideas and knowledge.
We’d like to hear your thoughts and feedback on what we’re doing now; what works, what doesn’t; what we could do differently or better; that would enable you to feel confident in accessing care and support here at the hospice should you or someone you love be diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, or be suffering from a bereavement. This may include:
- The general look and feel of the hospice reception area and building
- If you were diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, understanding what barriers you might face, and what kind of support you might seek
- Engaging with staff including our nurses to share personal information and details
- Our website and marketing materials including leaflets and brochures
- Attending local LGBT+ events and awareness days
- Drafting an action strategy to push this project forward
- Implementing policies and procedures
If you could spare just a few hours of your time to offer your input into this project, we’d be so pleased to hear from you. We aim to host small focus groups on Tuesday 17th October, timings TBC. To find out more or to register your interest, please contact Laura Savile before Friday 22nd September: 01298 816998, or email: laura.savile@blythehouse.co.uk
Read more about the hospice’s Derbyshire LGBT+ Rainbow Accreditation journey.
