Rainbow Badge initiative – one year on

On the 3 October 2019, we launched our own NHS LGBT+ Rainbow Badge initiative across Sheffield Children’s. There are now over 1,700 colleagues Trust-wide who have committed to being approachable, safe people to talk to about LGBT+ issues for all young people and families. The Rainbow Badge wearers understand issues facing LGBT+ people (especially within healthcare) and they know more about how to listen and support people, signposting them to many other sources of support and advice.

The Rainbow Badge team are working with many departments on improving services for LGBT+ patients and families. This includes gender inclusive facilities and paperwork, recognition of diverse family structures, and equality within IT systems, among others. Staff can always sign-up for a Rainbow badge and complete the learning package.

The Rainbow Badge team have created a number of short videos called ‘Can I have a word?’ to explain different LGBT+ terms and why it matters to understand them. You can watch the video below or click here to visit our YouTube channel.

The Rainbow Badge scheme is part of Sheffield Children’s wider commitment to treating everyone fairly and with respect.

Find out more about the Rainbow Badge scheme and the wider launch event earlier this year here.