NSFT Pride committee wins staff award for creating an empowered LGBT+ community | News and events

This month the NSFT Pride Committee won an Encouraging Participation Award at the Trust’s Staff Excellence Awards evening.

The achievement recognised the Committee’s efforts at Norwich Pride earlier this year and their hard work involving and connecting with the local LGBT+ community, both staff and service users.

Service user involvement ensures an inclusive experience

The Pride Committee initiative involved service users and carers in the planning process fostering meaningful engagement.

Local young people and a local carer could shape and influence the event’s direction and activities. They came up with the strapline and provided support so everything was representative of the diverse needs, experiences, and aspirations of the LGBT+ community.

These young people also created an informative booklet for staff called ‘Pride vs Prejudice’ to show that LGBT+ people have existed historically, but have frequently faced persecution, explaining why it’s so important to support events like Pride. A carer created affirmation cards to give away at the stall which were well received.

By actively seeking feedback from service users and carers, the Committee ensured those with lived experience were heard, allowing for a sense of empowerment.

The Award win recognises the success of our people-led approach

Winning the Encouraging Participation Award is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of the Committee. NSFT staff worked hard to make their involvement in Norwich Pride a success and on the day they volunteered on the stall, marched proudly, and held a Dungeon and Dragons (DnD) event.

The stall asked members of the public to share their ‘Hopes, Dreams and Values’. The themed game of DnD saw 25 attendees of ranging experience join and bond over the game.

Lucy North and Georgia Brazier, NSFT Pride Committee 2023 co-chairs said “It is because of our staff’s great efforts that we were able to celebrate diversity, equality, and acceptance, standing as one strong community. We look forward to creating more moments of pride and unity in the future.”

Cath Byford deputy chief executive and chief people officer of NSFT said “The Pride Committee’s involvement of service users and carers in the planning process and event strengthened community bonds, empowered individuals, and created a safe and inclusive space.

“This has become a catalyst for positive change, advocacy, and celebration, thanks to their commitment to participation and co-production. As a Trust we hope to continue to support service users by building on this people-led approach.”