Ambulance service supports ‘Holding Hands for Equality’

TODAY (May 17) on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBiT), South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) launched a video in support of the campaign in partnership with Holding Hands for Equality (HH4E). (SEE VIDEO HERE)

The film features photographs from members of staff, their friends and families in support of the campaign, which SCAS states aims to strive for a world where no-one is afraid to express themselves through simple acts of affection.

Kirsten Willis, Area Manager and Chair of the SCAS LGBT Network, said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to be part of this campaign in partnership with HH4E and grateful to all our staff who have taken the time to contribute their pictures. As a member of the ambulance service, the act of holding the hand of a patient who needs reassurance and help is something that we don’t think about and it can have a tremendously positive effect for them.

“For some people, holding the hand of a loved one is second nature and they wouldn’t think twice about doing it. For others, it is not such a carefree act and comes with fear or the threat of violence. We really hope that by supporting IDAHOBiT and HH4E, we can empower people to hold the hands of the ones they love regardless of sexual orientation.”

Andy Cast, Campaign Director at HH4E said: “HH4E is delighted to have collaborated with the SCAS LGBT Network on this project. This year, IDAHOBiT falls within Mental Health Awareness Week, which has a theme of ‘relationships’. Healthy relationships are paramount for a happy life and holding hands with the people you love is an important part of that.

“People in the LGBT community have higher levels of mental health problems than heterosexual men and women, but the simple act of holding hands that could help mental wellbeing is something that many of us feel uncomfortable doing in public. We need to change this by normalising it and making it a casual, carefree act for everyone.”