St Patrick’s Mental Health Services (SPMHS), Ireland’s largest independent mental health service, has launched a new Rainbow Badge campaign to promote inclusion for LGBTQ+ people and support staff in delivering more inclusive mental healthcare.

The campaign, now rolling out across SPMHS’ more than 700 clinical and non-clinical staff, encourages staff to complete dedicated training to increase their understanding and competencies in LGBTQ+ healthcare. Staff who complete the training will receive a Rainbow Badge pin, signalling that they are an ally and that SPMHS is a safe, open, and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ service users and colleagues.

A simple but powerful message of inclusion

The Rainbow Badge campaign originally began at Evelina London Children’s Hospital in the United Kingdom (UK) and was later adapted in Ireland for the HSE by Linn Dara Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Dublin. Its aim is to support healthcare workers in showing that their service is welcoming and inclusive for LGBTQ+ people.

By wearing the badge, staff can signal that they are informed, supportive and that they work in a place that offers respectful care to all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Training to build awareness and allyship

As part of its implementation of the campaign, SPMHS has developed a bespoke online training module in consultation with LGBT Ireland and Gendercare. The training raises awareness of the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in Ireland and aims to ensure that SPMHS continues to provide compassionate, equitable care to all service users. It also supports an inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ staff.

The training and campaign were developed by the SPMHS LGBTQ+ Working Group, which was set up in 2023. The group includes staff from clinical and non-clinical backgrounds and works to ensure best practice in LGBTQ+ mental healthcare, as well as to foster a culture of dignity, equity, and respect.

Why inclusion matters in mental healthcare

The urgency of this work is underscored by findings from the 2024 National Study on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of the LGBTQI+ Community in Ireland, which revealed that LGBTQI+ people face high levels of self-harm, suicidality, depression, anxiety, and stress. Children and young people in the Trans community were identified as particularly vulnerable.

Commenting on the Rainbow Badge launch, Paul Gilligan, CEO of SPMHS, said:

“At its core, SPMHS is committed to promoting dignity, equity, and compassionate care for all. The launch of our Rainbow Badge campaign and awareness training seeks to further strengthen and continually nurture a culture of inclusion within SPMHS - both for the people who use our services and for all our colleagues who identify as LGBTQ+.

We know from studies that LGBTQ+ communities often face discrimination, stigma, and barriers to accessing appropriate care, all of which can have significant impacts on mental health. By strengthening understanding and celebrating diversity, we strive to build a mental health service where everyone feels seen, respected, and supported.”

Linda Curran, Principal Social Worker, and Chair of the LGBTQ+ Working Group here at SPMHS, added:

“The LGBTQ+ Working Group at SPMHS is delighted to celebrate the launch of its Rainbow Badge campaign and LGBTQ+ awareness training among staff, which marks an important step forward in creating a more inclusive and informed mental health service.

Through this campaign, we want to equip staff of SPMHS with the tools to better understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ people and to provide care that is inclusive and non-judgemental. Through education and awareness, we hope to make a meaningful difference — not just in how we support those who use our services, but in how we show up as allies, sending a clear signal that SPMHS is a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ communities.”

SPMHS is committed to creating a culture that values dignity, equity, and inclusion for all. Through the Rainbow Badge campaign, the organisation continues to build a workplace and care environment that supports all identities and experiences, both within its team and among service users.

Tags:   LGBT+