We’re an inclusive service, free from judgement, and welcome everyone.

All our therapists are trained to work in an inclusive and sensitive way with people from all parts of the LGBTQ+ community, and if you ever feel we are not meeting this expectation, please discuss this with the staff member, or ask to speak with their manager.

Previous research suggests that mental health difficulties are more common in people who identify with the LGBTQ+ community. This can be due to increased discrimination, isolation and restriction in self-expression.

We also know that the LGBTQ+ community is less likely to reach out for support with health care services due to barriers such as:

-             Fear of judgement and disregard for personal experience

-             Concerns about confidentiality (for instance, fear of being “outed”)

-             Discrimination from health care staff

At CNWL, we will do all we can to reduce any barriers to accessing our services.

CNWL has LGBTQ+ Champions  that work within services to increase interest and expertise in LGBTQ+ inclusion and acknowledge that service users may be likely to experience or have experienced societal, social and familial pressures around identity. LGBTQ+ issues are discussed with staff and LGBTQ+ Champions regularly meet to share and reflect learnings across the network of Talking Therapies services.

The Talking Therapies service will never give any other organisations identifiable information about you without obtaining your consent. However, if your circumstances mean that you or someone else is at risk of significant harm, the service has a legal obligation to share information about you with other organisations. The service may share information with your GP and your other healthcare providers to ensure you are being provided with the best possible care. Any concerns about confidentiality can be discussed with the service at the point of assessment and/or at the start of treatment.

To start a referral for talking therapy, visit: https://talkingtherapies.cnwl.nhs.uk/refer-yourself 

CNWL has rated in the Stonewall TOP 100 LGBTQ+ Friendly Employers Index for the last eight years and will continue to enter this scheme alongside the Rainbow Badge assessment programme, for which it received a Bronze Award.

The scheme recognises how well NHS Trusts support LGBTQ+ people in healthcare and how well they tackle the issues the LGBTQ+ community face in the workplace and in services. The Rainbow Badge assessment covers a range of categories including staff, patient and carer experience, policies and workforce arrangements and overall inclusivity.

The Trust’s own LGBTQ+ Staff Network - PRIDE@CNWL - which has been running for 12 years, led the programme of work to identify areas for improvement and reflection.

You may notice that some staff are wearing a rainbow lanyard. You can find out more about the Rainbow Lanyard Scheme/ Badge Scheme by visiting this link: https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/news/cnwl-receives-bronze-award-rainbow-badge-programme

Additional resources and signposting information

Health and Care LGBTQ+ Inclusion Framework: https://www.nhsconfed.org/publications/health-and-care-lgbtq-inclusion-framework 

A library developed by CNWL’s LGBTQ+ Staff Network, Pride@CNWL for LGBTQ+ young people and their parents, friends and families: Year of the Child Resources :: Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (cnwl.nhs.uk)

Resources collated by Stonewall to support mental health: https://www.stonewall.org.uk/young-futures/lgbtq-support/mental-health 

Rainbow Mind is just one of numerous LGBTQ+ specific services and projects running in London. Visit this link to find out about them and other services: https://rainbowmind.org/