New
Chair For Pride in SECAMb
The PRIDE in SECAmb
staff network recently elected a new Chair, Will Bellamy, Operating
Unit Manager and Deputy Chair Steph Meech, specialist paramedic at
its meeting last month. Congratulations to them both!
Will said “both Steph Meech and I are honoured
at being elected as Chair and Deputy Chair for PRIDE in SECAmb we
are committed to making SECAmb a workplace that is open, supportive
and promotes equality of opportunity for LGBT staff. This is the
networks busiest month in the year, and we have some really
exciting events coming up. I’d like to encourage colleagues to get
involved, have fun and show your support. This year is particularly
poignant as it marks 50 years since the part decriminalisation
homosexuality in England and Wales.”
To celebrate the 50th anniversary,
we would like to share the “We Are
Gay” booklet that was developed by the National Ambulance
LGBT Network describing people’s lives as an LGBT person working in
the Ambulance Service.
Brighton Trans Pride – Saturday
22nd July
Following a hugely successful first year in
2016, SECAmb will be in attendance at Trans Pride on
22nd July in Brunswick Square from 13:00. The SECAmb
Team will be led by our Deputy Chair, Steph Meech. Steph will
be supported by members of our Diversity Champions network, CFR’s
and Katie Spendiff, Membership Coordinator. Please pop along
to show your support.
National Ambulance LGBT Network
Conference – 4th August, 10:30 – 16:30.
SECAmbwill once again be hosting the National
Ambulance LGBT Conference on 4th August at the
Amex Stadium in Brighton. This was a hugely popular
and successful event last year. In addition to the key note
speakers on the day, the Network will be running three workshops,
repeated twice, so participants will be able to attend their two
preferred options. The focus of this year’s conference will be:
- Mental health needs of LGBT patients and
staff - Supporting trans* colleagues
- The health and support needs of older LGBT
people - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Promoting dignity and respect
Bookings from other ambulance trusts are
coming in thick and fast and places are limited, so please
book your place at this free CPD event via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/national-ambulance-lgbt-network-13790518592if
you would like to attend.
Brighton & Hove Pride – Saturday
5th August
This year’s theme is ‘Summer of Love’ in
2017 to mark the landmark 50th anniversary, and is being
badged as the most spectacular Pride ever by the organisers.
SECAmb‘s preparations for Brighton & Hove
Pride are well underway, and we have over one hundred people
registered already. The Trust will not be having a stall in
the park this year, but will once again be taking part in the Pride
Parade joined by Daren Mochrie, CEO and Jon Amos, Interim Director
of Strategy.
We will also be joined by colleagues from
around the country including Tracy Myhil, CEO Welsh Ambulance
Service. If you would like to attend, please register via the
link below so that we can arrange adequate catering and send
joining instructions in advance. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BRIGHTONPRIDE17.
By registering, you will also have the
opportunity to book heavily subsidised accommodation and discounted
park tickets, however there are limited numbers remaining and these
will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
If you would like to find out any
further information about the PRIDE in SECAmb network of any of the
other staff networks within the Trust, please contact
Asmina.ichowdhury@secamb.nhs.uk