A new report by the Diversity Trust, working in collaboration with Bath Spa University and Bath and North East Somerset Council, explores key areas of health inequality and discrimination, as well as the positive experiences LGB and Trans people have of living in the area.

Similar to the national picture, the findings highlight the urgent need for further work to support LGB and Trans people in respect of health and particularly mental health:

• Over 50% received medical help for anxiety or depression.
• Over 30% self-harmed or self-injured themselves.
• Over 40% had thought about suicide or tried to kill themselves.

However, our sample, of Lesbians and Gay men in Bath & North East Somerset, have better physical health than previous national samples and almost 80% of our sample felt either “safe” or “very safe” living in the area.

The research recommendations include the need for training of professionals in health, social care and education settings to ensure greater sensitivity towards LGB and Trans people. As we disseminate the findings, we will be exploring how to make sure these considerations are included within Council training programmes and encouraging our partners in healthcare settings to do likewise.

Berkeley Wilde, Director of the Diversity Trust, said: “We are really pleased to be able to publish this important report with Bath and North East Somerset Council which highlights the experiences of LGB and Trans communities in the area. We are particularly keen that issues such as ensuring frontline health, education and social care staff receive LGB and Trans-awareness training to ensure people are treated with dignity and respect when accessing services.”

Read the report please click here

Read the summary report please click here