5/02/2025
A lanyard can speak volumes. At Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT), Pride Progress lanyards are helping create positive change for LGBTQ+ patients and staff. Through joint funding from the Attitude Magazine Foundation and the Paul Cottingham Trust, the LPT purchased 1,000 lanyards in response to staff requests for this visible symbol of support.
“These symbols surpass mere representation — they actively encourage open conversations, allowing people to discuss topics they might otherwise feel hesitant or uncomfortable sharing,” LPT’s deputy head of pharmacy Andrew Moonesinghe tells Attitude. “This sense of openness fosters trust, breaking down barriers.”
Robin Caferata, LPT’s equality, diversity and inclusion co-ordinator, adds: “In a climate of rising hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals, it is more important than ever to address the inequalities faced by LGBTQ+ patients and healthcare staff. LGBTQ+ patients and staff may have experienced harassment or unwelcome comments previously or feel uncertain to raise topics relating to their gender or sexuality.”
The lanyards have proved invaluable on the wards, where they spark meaningful discussions between patients and staff, as well as among colleagues.
“Myself and the psychology team in rehab wish to show our ongoing support to the LGBTQ+ community,” shares one staff member. “These lanyards will help to show both staff and service users that we are approachable, non-judgemental, and safe to talk to.”
Another adds: “The lanyards help us to be visible campaigners for the LGBTQ+ community.”
LGBTQ+ visibility is particularly important to the trust. Working on the wards, staff have witnessed first-hand how these campaigns encourage engagement and curiosity. “Patients frequently approach us to ask questions or share their thoughts, which has led to open and meaningful conversations,” Moonesinghe says. “This interaction not only deepens the connection between patients and staff but also reinforces the NHS’s commitment to inclusion, understanding and respect.”
Mental health nurse Josh Proctor has experienced this directly: “One of the patients I care for is transgender and has commented positively on my LGBTQ+ lanyard. They said it is really nice to see visual support and acceptance from staff.”
The initiative has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many staff members sharing personal stories about the difference it has made in their lives, both personally and professionally.
For Apexa Patel, engagement and wellbeing manager for the LPT’s mental health wards, the project represents a long-awaited breakthrough: “We are so grateful to be able to wear these amazing lanyards that will not only support patients but also carers and staff in recognising a safe space.”
Moonesinghe adds: “By continuing to champion such initiatives, we can build an even stronger, more compassionate community where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.”