Their goal was to create an inclusive and healing environment for LGBTQ+ patients, staff, families, and visitors where they can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging.
Jacqui Russon, Occupational Therapist and Natalia Masternak (pronouns she/her), the social worker at Cygnet Hospital Ealing, are passionate about creating safe spaces for patients to explore their gender and sexual identity. While society is moving toward accepting the LGBTQ+ community, there is still a long way to go.
During Pride Month, one of their aims was to raise awareness about the global issues facing the LGBTQ+ community, including recent hate crimes against lesbians in Arizona and various legislations and bills that prohibit and imprison LGBTQ+ individuals. Several petitions were displayed around the hospital for individuals to take action.
They also shared some positive news, such as Thailand approving a bill to legalize same-sex marriage.
“Many of our service users had never celebrated Pride before, and our aim was to ensure they got a taste of Pride celebrations.”
Callista, an Occupational Therapy Assistant on Sunrise Ward, very skilfully engaged service users in several groups where they had the opportunity to create decorations for the Pride event. One of these activities included painting a banner to display during the event. The service users came up with their own ideas, one of which was making handmade key rings with LGBTQ+ flags for the sale.
Amy, an Occupational Therapist from New Dawn Ward, involved service users in baking delicious, colourful cupcakes for sale during the Pride event to raise funds for the charity.
During the sale, each individual has had the opportunity to anonymously express why celebrating PRIDE is important to them.
Lastly, service users from Sunrise Ward and the team explored existing charities that support LGBTQ+ individuals and decided to choose MindOut, a charity that supports individuals with mental health problems. They raised over £250, which has been donated to the chosen charity.
Celebrating Pride Month at Cygnet Ealing Hospital has not only raised awareness and funds but has also fostered a sense of community and acceptance within our hospital. The team are committed to continuing this tradition and furthering their efforts to support and uplift the LGBTQ+ community.