Category: LGBT

New ONS Report Reveals Elevated Self-Harm and Suicide Rates Among LGB+ Adults

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released a ground breaking analysis linking 2021 Census data with NHS records, revealing that adults identifying as LGB+ in England and Wales face significantly higher rates of self-harm and suicide compared to their heterosexual counterparts.

Key Findings:

  • The age-standardised rate of intentional self-harm for LGB+ individuals was 1,508.9 per 100,000 people between March 2021 and December 2023, compared to 598.4 per 100,000 for heterosexual individuals.
  • The suicide rate among LGB+ adults stood at 50.3 per 100,000 people, more than double the rate of 23.1 per 100,000 observed in heterosexual adults.
  • Bisexual individuals exhibited the highest self-harm rates within the LGB+ group, at 1,669.5 per 100,000 people.
  • The risk of self-harm was notably higher among LGB+ females, with a rate 2.8 times greater than that of heterosexual females.
  • Young adults aged 16 to 24 identifying as LGB+ had a self-harm rate 2.8 times higher than their heterosexual peers.

These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health support and suicide prevention strategies within the LGB+ community.

Read the full report: ONS – Self-harm and suicide by sexual orientation, England and Wales

New Books for Our Teenage Collection!

Looking for something fresh to read? We’ve just added some fantastic new books to our Teenage Collection! Whether you need advice on mental health, body image, social media, or identity, these books have got you covered. From Being You: The Body Image Book for Boys to Social Anxiety Relief for Teens, there’s something for everyone.

Come check them out at the library!

Transgender Awareness Week

Transgender Awareness Week is a time to uplift trans voices, share stories, and work toward greater acceptance. This week highlights the resilience of transgender people while addressing the discrimination many still face. It’s an opportunity for allies to show support, educate themselves, and advocate for a more inclusive society. Let’s come together to ensure everyone feels respected and valued, regardless of gender identity.

Tackling health inequalities: seven priorities for the NHS – The King’s Fund

Drawing on The King’s Fund’s five-year programme of work on health inequalities and tackling the worst health outcomes, which includes insights from stakeholders, partners and people with lived experience, this long read outlines what we think the anticipated 10-year health plan should focus on to help the NHS do more to tackle these challenges.

Tackling Health Inequalities | Seven Priorities For The NHS | The King’s Fund (kingsfund.org.uk)

The King’s Fund Bulletin

The King’s Fund has released their latest Health and Wellbeing bulletin, packed with essential updates on healthcare trends, policies, and research. This bulletin is a must-read for anyone interested in staying informed about the latest in health and wellbeing.

Make sure you subscribe to the blog to stay up-to-date with current awareness.

Health and Wellbeing Bulletin (kingsfundmail.org.uk)

Celebrating Pride Month at the Gosall Library!

June is Pride Month, a time to honour and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and their contributions to our society. At the Gosall library, we believe in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued. This month, we’re excited to showcase a diverse collection of books and resources that highlight LGBTQ+ voices and stories. Take a look through our curated selection of LGBTQ+ literature, featuring both fiction and non-fiction works that span various genres and experiences.

Pride Month is more than just a celebration; it’s a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and the importance of representation. By amplifying LGBTQ+ voices, we aim to create a space where everyone can see themselves reflected in the stories we share.

We invite you to visit the Gosall Library this June to explore our Pride Month offerings and join us in celebrating love, diversity, and inclusion. Happy Pride!

Gosall Library

LGBTQ+ Book Collection

The Gosall Library has invested in an LGBTQ+ book collection, which is available to view in the Gosall Library and via on online catalogue. The range includes a mix of textbooks, fiction and non-fiction texts to support staff and patients.

Some of the titles include:

  • Transgender Employees in the Workplace: A Guide for Employers
  • Gender Diversity and Non-Binary Inclusion in the Workplace: The Essential Guide for Employers
  • Transgender Health: A Practitioner’s Guide to Binary and Non-Binary Trans Patient Care
  • Understanding trans health: Discourse, power and possibility
  • Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary People with Disabilities or Illnesses: A Good Practice Guide for Health and Care Provision
  • Trans and Non-binary Gender Healthcare for Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Other Health Professionals
  • Transgender 101 : a simple guide to a complex issue
  • TRANS: Exploring Gender Identity and Gender Dysphoria

For any more information regarding loaning these books, please contact- academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk. Remember we can send books directly to you if the Gosall Library isn’t accessible to you or your workplace.

Supporting the LGBTQ+ population

Through Covid-19 and beyond

Source: The King’s Fund Health Management and Policy Alert

Leaders from across the health care system agree that for the LGBTQ+ population to recover and thrive after the pandemic, the way services are designed and delivered, and the workforce environments they are delivered in, must change. This report sets out a series of recommendations to help health care leaders, service designers and commissioners ensure their services and workplaces meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ population.

some of their recommendations include:

Mental Health Network NHS Confederation

To find out more click here.