Pledging our support to local members of the LGBTQ+ community

As the world celebrated Pride Month throughout June, we launched our awareness programme following training with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall.

Our programme was introduced in response to our ongoing mission to create a compassionate and inclusive atmosphere that supports people to thrive in every aspect of their lives, with an aim to further educate and support our 50+ team members at Bluebird Care to develop their understanding and appreciation of the history of LGBTQ+ and the day-to-day experiences of our customers and fellow colleagues.

We launched this new initiative on 13^th June which focusses on exploring the importance of pride and the identities of various demographics represented in the pride flag. Our team learn about the meaning of different sexualities, pronouns, and gender identities, as well as the best ways to embed this knowledge in the support that we provide to local LGBTQ+ customers.

Going forward, this LGBTQ+ training has been incorporated as a permanent feature of our company’s induction programme to ensure that our teams are fully equipped to offer sensitive support for the full diversity of the local community.

After attending the workshop, team members were invited to pledge their commitment to creating a more equal positive world for the LGBTQ+ community. After signing the pledge, they receive a certificate and rainbow flag pin badge to identify themselves as an ally to members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Elias Cruz, head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Bluebird Care Bournemouth & Poole, said:

“Our team members have been very open to learning more about LGBTQ+ experiences, and are keen to support the members of this community who are in our care to feel as cherished as possible. Having a visible ally can be hugely important to many, and we are already seeing the impact of our awareness workshop in the positive conversations that it has sparked among team members and customers.”

Melanie Cohen, Director of Bluebird Care Bournemouth & Poole, said:

“We launched this programme because we wanted to signal a meaningful and long-lasting commitment to understanding and supporting the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community throughout Bournemouth and Poole. This initiative will extend long beyond Pride Month, and our teams are already exploring fun initiatives to champion the inclusion of this demographic locally.”