Skip to main content

'Your NHS is Full of Pride': Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Launches New LGBTQIA+ Support Campaign

Wednesday 18th June 2025 

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has proudly launched its new campaign, "Your NHS is Full of Pride", designed to celebrate, support, and increase the visibility of LGBTQIA+ staff, communities, and allies across the Health Board and Gwent.

Developed by the Health Board’s LGBTQIA+ Staff Network, this campaign is a powerful step towards fostering a more inclusive NHS—one where everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered to be themselves, every day of the year.

At the heart of ‘Your NHS is Full of Pride’ are three core pillars:

  • Visibility – Championing representation and ensuring LGBTQIA+ voices are seen and heard across the organisation.
  • Support – Providing meaningful networks and resources for LGBTQIA+ staff and patients.
  • Education – Promoting understanding and awareness to help build a truly inclusive culture.

The campaign launched with a staff pledge, inviting all members of the Health Board to sign and publicly show their commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Within the first two weeks, the campaign received an overwhelming response—over 1,000 staff members signed the pledge, with the Health Board Executive Team proudly leading the way. Supporters were offered progressive pride lanyards and pin badges to display their support, while hospitals and healthcare sites introduced new posters to reaffirm their commitment to being safe, inclusive spaces for all.

 

 

Scott Wilson-Evans and Dr Elanor Maybury, Chairs of the Health Board LGBTQIA+ Network responsible for the campaign said:

“This campaign is about more than just visibility— for some, the world is a scary place to be LGBTQIA+ right now, this campaign is about actively creating safe, inclusive environments where our staff and the communities we serve feel valued, seen, and safe to be who they are”.

“Belonging to a group outside the mainstream can lead to exclusion, stigma, and stress, all of which impact mental health. During Pride Month, visibility and celebration can affirm identity, build resilience, and foster belonging—key to psychological wellbeing. The incredible response so far shows our Health Board’s strong commitment to meaningful inclusion and to protecting the mental health of LGBTQIA+ people through connection, acceptance and allyship.”

The Health Board is committed to supporting all its staff across a whole range of staff networks. The year-round campaign will roll out a series of activities and educational resources for staff and the public, aimed at increasing awareness, celebrating diversity, and strengthening support for LGBTQIA+ individuals in healthcare settings throughout the year. The campaign supports the Health Board LGBTQIA+ Action Plan which is due for release later this year.