International day against Homophobia /Transphobia and Biphobia is a worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversities, created in 2004 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex people, and all of those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics. This year’s theme is “Together always: united in diversity”.
Caring and the LGBTQ+ community
Caring is immensely joyous. Naturally, caring involves putting your own needs aside for the sake of your loved one. However, it can be challenging to focus on someone else’s needs without neglecting our own. For LGBTQ+ carers, there may be additional challenges, both practical and emotional. You may also face similar challenges if the person you care for is LGBTQ+. Nevertheless, it is vital to look after yourself. At Carers Support West Sussex, we want to ensure that all carers can benefit from the support we offer. However caring affects you, we are here.
Recognition at Carers Support West Sussex
Here at carers support we value diversity and inclusion. As a caring organisation, we aim to ensure that LGBTQ+ carers are treated with the same respect and dignity afforded to other carers. We want to create a safe and welcoming environment that supports and encourages LGBTQ+ Carers to ask for the help they might be missing. Furthermore, we want to ensure that support services are tailored to the LGBTQ+ community’s needs and that carers do not anticipate or experience stigma or discrimination. It is of the utmost importance to us that our carers stay connected and supported. Allsorts Youth has delivered four LGBTQ+ Awareness Training sessions to Carers Support West Sussex staff and volunteers. Such training forms part of our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
Pride in Care
In 2022, Carers Support West Sussex (CSWS) became the first Carer organisation in the UK to earn the Pride in Care (PiC) quality standard in recognition of its commitment to continuously improve the quality of its care and support for LGBTQ+ people over 50 years old.
PiC is managed and awarded by Opening Doors (OD) – the largest organisation for older lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, non-binary or gender fluid (LGBTQ+) people in the UK – and is championed by Care England, with accompanying training endorsed by Skills for Care.
Some of the support available to you as a carer:
Support from your local council
Carers Health and well-being fund
Counselling and call back service
Carer response line and online support
We recognise that those with different backgrounds, skills, attitudes, and experiences can shape our organisation by contributing fresh ideas, valuable insights, and new perceptions. If you have ideas or suggestions for improving our work with LGBTQ+ carers, please get in touch – we are very keen to hear from you.
