The HealthWISE Rainbow Working Group is dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and diverse organisation.
LGBTQ+ individuals often face unique health challenges and disparities, including higher rates of mental health issues, substance abuse, and certain chronic conditions. We know that addressing these disparities is essential for equitable health care.
Since 2024, we have had the privilege of collaborating with Pride in Health + Wellbeing to advance our goals. We have been evaluated against the Health + Wellbeing Equality Index foundational criteria and have now achieved Bronze Tier status.
This recognises our development of an LGBTQ+ inclusion strategy, training for staff, reference guides for allies and promoting our organisation as a safe space for the rainbow community.
In 2023-2024, the working group invited LGBTQ+ community members to provide feedback on various aspects of our services, including our role as an employer, mental health intake forms, and office branding and signage. This valuable feedback informed the development of a comprehensive framework that is now being implemented throughout the organisation.
Bronze recognition is a significant milestone in our journey toward becoming the most inclusive and diverse organisation possible. HealthWISE is dedicated to striving for further improvements. We continue to review and enhance practices, policies and training to reflect the evolving understanding of LGBTQ+ community health. We are committed to remaining responsive, aiming to significantly improve the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ individuals, both as employees of HealthWISE and as service users.
