June is Pride Month: Why does it matter to Hospiscare?
Pride is a key opportunity to highlight the importance of showing solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and the steps we take to ensure our care is inclusive, compassionate, and accessible to everyone who needs it.
The reality: (In)equitable access to healthcare
Sadly, there’s clear evidence that LGBTQ+ people often experience poorer health outcomes and face significant barriers when accessing healthcare services. Source: NHS England – LGBT Health
These barriers don’t disappear at the end of life. In fact, they can become even more pronounced. Negative experiences earlier in life may mean LGBTQ+ people delay or avoid seeking palliative care, fearing they’ll encounter discrimination or be treated without understanding. That fear can be a serious obstacle to accessing the support they need.
The wider impact: supporting families, friends and loved ones
When access to care is unequal, the consequences extend beyond the individual patient. LGBTQ+ partners and chosen family members may feel isolated or overlooked during the grieving process, especially if their relationship isn’t recognised or respected. Their bereavement journey can be made harder by the lack of acknowledgement — compounding their loss with loneliness.
Team Hospiscare at Exeter Pride 2025
What do we do about this at Hospiscare?
Outstanding end-of-life care includes everyone who matters to the patient. Given that we know that sexual orientation can result in reduced access to care, it’s vital that we educate ourselves about how to break down those barriers, ensure we treat all people with compassion and respect, and actively show that our care is for everyone in our community. This means:
We show up
Every year, we proudly join the Exeter Pride parade. We gather the biggest group of people that we can, we dress up, carry banners, shake flags, and we join in.
We provide training and education
In 2020 and 2021, we ran training for staff and volunteers on supporting LGBTQ+ patients and carers – training that led to the creation of our Personalised Care Policy. In 2025, we’re providing staff training on supporting trans people in palliative care, both pre- and post-death.
We wear our values with pride
Our rainbow “Love matters” staff badges are small but powerful symbols. They signal our support, our commitment, and our pride.
We spread the word
From rainbow stickers and bookmarks to inclusive social media campaigns, we’re always looking for ways to make it clear that everyone is welcome at Hospiscare. We share stories, publish articles, and keep the message visible – inclusion isn’t a one-off statement; it’s part of our everyday culture.
Why it matters
Pride Month is more than a celebration — it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that equitable, inclusive care doesn’t happen by accident. It takes effort, understanding, and a shared commitment to ensuring that every patient, no matter who they are or who they love, feels safe and supported.
