Throughout the month of June we celebrated Pride Month across the Excelcare family, recognising the progress of LGBTQ+ rights and identifying areas for improvement.

Throughout the month, our homes were encouraged to get creative and host their own pride events, with support from our Belong with Pride Network.

The Belong with Pride Network, set up by the Wellbeing and Engagement Business Partner, Chelsea Joyce, aims to champion inclusivity, promote a sense of belonging, and raise the profile of significant days in the calendar for members of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s made up of members of the Excelcare Family, who wish to support the people who live and work in our homes to host and raise awareness for LGBTQ+ people.

Pride celebrations took place at Central Support Office, in the form a vibrant pride party featuring colourful food and a delightful rainbow cake.

At Longfield Care Home, the people living and working there celebrated Pride with decorations, delicious cakes, and vibrant colours. They adorned the home with LGBTQ+ flags and banners, while some people coloured in bright pictures. Lifestyle Coordinator, Karen Andrews shared a touching reflection on the event and highlighted a respectful and empathic response from a person who lived there.

“We may not understand this, but we do learn to accept this,” said a person living at Longfield. Karen added this response was very honest and respectful, seeing as members of the older generation did not grow up in a climate where LQBTQ+ people were supported and encouraged to be themselves.

Embracing an empathetic attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community, as demonstrated by this person is crucial in fostering inclusivity and a sense of belonging for all generations. This experience teaches us the importance of approaching differences with an open mind and heart to promote understanding and acceptance.

In today’s environment, fostering LGBTQ+ inclusivity at work is not just a choice, it’s a necessity. We have collaborated with Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme, to help us achieve our overall goal of providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive workplace.