Elle Bryson, a senior support worker at Beechwood House in Norton, part of Milewood Individual Care and Support, is spearheading an LGBTQ+ initiative designed to champion inclusivity and diversity within the adult social care sector across the Stockton Borough Council area.
The initiative, led by Elle in partnership with Catherine Buller of Stockton Borough Council, will provide crucial support to individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs by fostering a culture of respect and understanding around gender identity and sexual orientation.
The LGBTQ+ initiative includes a variety of inclusivity measures, such as comprehensive staff training, updates to care plans to reflect each individual’s chosen pronouns, and accessible resources like helplines and informational leaflets that explain LGBTQ+ issues in a way that service users can easily understand.
Elle has drawn on her extensive experience to bring unique perspectives to this initiative. Previously, she worked at Glenthorne Court, another Milewood service, where she launched the ‘Feel something, say something’ campaign. Originally designed to promote testicular cancer awareness among male service users, the campaign used balloons as a teaching tool to demonstrate self-checking techniques. Since transferring to Beechwood House, Elle has adapted this initiative to teach both staff and service users about the importance of breast checks, once again using her creativity to make healthcare accessible and engaging.
Reflecting on her work, Elle said: “Inclusivity isn’t just a goal; it’s a necessity in adult social care. I’m honoured to lead this initiative with Stockton Borough Council to ensure that every individual feels valued and understood, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. Small changes, like addressing someone by their preferred pronouns, make a big difference in someone’s sense of belonging and identity.”
Catherine Buller from Stockton Borough Council added: “Elle’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and health awareness in the adult social care sector is truly inspiring. Her efforts are a model for compassionate, person-centred care, and I’m proud to be working with her on this initiative, which will benefit both staff and service users across our community.”
The LGBTQ+ initiative promises to set a new standard for inclusivity within adult social care in Stockton, supporting individuals in feeling safe, respected, and understood.
