Honouring inclusivity and support in paramedicine

It all began when the current chair of Proud@WMAS encouraged ‘The Pride Network’ (former name) to take part in Birmingham Pride in May 2017. An ambulance along with 20 staff members took part in the parade and the reception was fantastic! Not long after this, The Pride Network held its annual general meeting and Ash Deakins became its chair. Supported by a new vice chair and committee members, Proud@WMAS was born.

With a determination to transform the network, which had previously existed more on paper than in reality, into something our entire workforce could support, the committee began raising the Proud@WMAS profile both internally and externally. Creating an ethos of inclusivity, rather than exclusivity, the committee quickly decided that ‘membership’ would be a thing of the past and all staff, irrespective of their sexuality, gender, race or religion, could come together to create a supportive LGBT staff network.

In a bid to create an identity for Proud@WMAS, the committee tried to design a new logo but quickly realised that the already established design had resonance with current staff and so it remained. The rainbow star of life, used by the National Ambulance LGBT Network, of which we are a contributing member, was agreed as it was felt that it would achieve uniformity across other ambulance organisations and enable the network to be recognised more easily. The committee sourced some funding to purchase 200 star of life pin badges which were distributed to staff across the Trust—they were so well received that a waiting list for badges had to be drawn! Why was the badge important? It allowed people to identify—not only as allies but also as advocates. When asked about the badge, people can spread the good work of the network.