CHESHIRE and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) has signed up to the national rainbow badge scheme to coincide with LGBT+ history month.

It is hoped that the move reinforces the Trust’s commitment to being a diverse and inclusive employer and care provider.

The Rainbow Badge Initiative, which originated at Evelina London Children's Hospital, aims to make a positive difference by promoting a message of inclusion.

The badge is a simple, visual symbol identifying that, if an NHS staff member or volunteer is wearing one, they are a person who an LGBT+ person (or their friends or family members) can talk to about issues relating to sexuality and gender identity.

To support the initiative, CWP has launched a training programme to provide staff and volunteers wearing the badges with the knowledge and awareness to support LGBT+ people with any issues they may face.

Philip Makin, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator for CWP, said: “I’m delighted to say that CWP is signed up to the NHS Rainbow Badge Initiative.

“The badge is a way for us at CWP to demonstrate that we are aware of the issues LGBT+ people can face when accessing our services and also as staff and volunteers.

“It shows that the wearer is there to listen without judgement and signpost to further support if needed.”

To receive their badge, CWP staff are required to complete the online training and give their own pledge.

Chief executive Sheena Cumiskey said: “It’s been fantastic to see how many people have already signed up to be a badge wearer.

“Our staff’s enthusiasm for the initiative continues to demonstrate that we take Equality, Diversity & Inclusion seriously in helping people to be the best they can be.”

CWP was recently rated as being ‘outstanding for caring’ by the Care Quality Commission at their last inspection.