不良研究所

Creating a culture of inclusion at Unique Senior Care

We hear from a manager at Unique Senior Care about how the organisation supports LGBT+ equality and the positive impact an inclusive culture has had on their career in care.

At Unique Senior Care, I am proud to be part of a truly diverse team, both as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and now as a manager. I began my journey with the company in 2022, starting as a caregiver at the age of 18. From the outset, I found working within such a diverse team immensely valuable, especially as a young gay man. I felt seen, heard, and supported by colleagues who shared similar lived experiences, many of whom were also members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The inclusive environment created by leadership played a significant role in my development. When instances of inappropriate comments or behaviour occurred, managers addressed these promptly and proactively, ensuring education and awareness were provided to clients around LGBTQIA+ issues. This demonstrated the company’s commitment to creating a respectful and inclusive culture for both staff and people drawing on care and support.

Three years on and in a managerial role myself, I have carried forward the same values and principles. I strive to treat every individual fairly, with a deep understanding that each person brings their own unique identity and experiences. I encourage individuality and self-expression, creating a workplace where people feel safe, respected, and valued.

As part of my commitment to inclusion, I have led initiatives such as educational Facebook posts highlighting historical LGBTQIA+ figures and their contributions to society. I strongly believe education is key to encouraging understanding and acceptance. I have also completed a workshop on “Invisibility in Care,” which focused on the experiences of transgender individuals living with dementia and the challenges faced by older LGBTQIA+ adults. I later shared this learning with my team to better equip them in supporting clients in these communities with empathy and understanding.

Each year, we celebrate Pride by decorating our offices and staff rooms and hosting inclusive events. Last year’s “Guess the Pride Flag” activity was a great success. It sparked curiosity and thoughtful conversations among staff, many of whom learned about aspects of the LGBTQIA+ history they were unfamiliar with.

In my role as Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Champion, I am dedicated to making everyone feel included, tailoring discussions and events to reflect the interests and needs of both staff and people drawing on care and support.

Looking ahead, we are planning fundraising events in support of LGBTQIA+ elders, with a focus on charities such as Age UK, which runs groups to help older LGBTQIA+ individuals stay connected. We also plan to offer further training on invisibility in care, especially as we anticipate a growing number of people we support being over 55 who identify as LGBTQIA+. Ensuring our team has the tools and understanding to support them with dignity and respect is essential.

Our aim at Unique Senior Care is to continue creating a culture of inclusion where everyone feels safe, heard, and empowered to be themselves.

Share your good news stories with us by emailing marketing@skillsforcare.org.uk

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