SAND LGBTQ+ for older people Posted or Updated on 19 Jan 2024

Much Wenlock and Cressage Medical Practice and Safe Ageing No Discrimination (SAND) have joined together in supporting the ageing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+) community. On behalf of the Practice Dr Hay & Dr Wentel have signed a covenant with the charity, committing to understand and respond to the needs of older LGBTQIA+ people in our local community. The covenant consists of five pledges, which the Practice has committed to in support of this charity.


The pledges are:

• Providing the best possible quality services for older and old LGBTQIA+ people.
• Ensuring the care provided by the Surgery is holistic and inclusive for all patients.
• Learning what life can be – and has been – like for different LGBTQIA+ people.
• Raise staff awareness through education events.
• Vocally and visually supporting groups working with and for older and old LGBTQIA+ 
people. 

• Demonstrating support of the charity via the Practice digital media channels. 

• Creating meaningful opportunities for LGBTQIA people and groups to influence what you 
doRaising awareness by sharing knowledge with our Patient Participation Group, Our 
Health Partnership and the wider GP Community. 

• Assessing and evidencing change, including work carried out to engage with LGBTQIA+ people. 

• Regular opportunities available for staff to offer feedback.

Other organisations which have already signed the Covenant include Age UK Shropshire Telford and Wrekin, Citizens Advice Shropshire, Wrekin Housing Group, Shropshire Council and Severn Hospice, among more.

For more information, please visit the SAND website at: www.lgbtsand.com. Alternatively, the team can be contacted at info@lgbtsand.com or on 01743 590023.