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This LGBT+ History Month we hear from Kath Egdell, specialist staff counsellor, about her experience of working in healthcare as a gay woman.

My name is Kath Egdell, I am a Specialist Staff Counsellor based at North Tyneside General.

I have worked in the Staff Counselling Service for over 10 years, and the main part of my work is offering 1-1 therapy sessions to staff covering a range of personal and workplace issues. I also lead on the Trust’s Resilience training and I’m the Domestic Abuse Champion for Occupational Health.

What I enjoy about my job and why I love it

I absolutely love my job here at the Trust. I have total and utter respect for the staff who work in the NHS, and I am proud to support them to live and work to the best of their ability. I could not do what most of our staff do, but I will do anything I can in my power to help improve their lives.

After over 30 years of being a counsellor, I never tire from seeing people start to make changes in their lives that they previously thought were impossible.

I cannot put a price on how much a privilege it is for people to share their most private and personal stories with me. I have huge respect and appreciation for the people I have worked with over the years for allowing me into their lives.

Challenges for LGBT+ community

Sometimes staff may have felt concerned that the Staff Counselling Service won’t understand what it really means to be LGBT+. Staff might also worry that they would be judged in some way. Most of us in the community have experienced some form of judgement or negative reaction at times about our sexuality.

I’m glad to say that as an openly gay woman, my experience working here has been overwhelmingly positive and my colleagues are very accepting. They have undertaken additional training regarding awareness of issues around sexuality to improve counselling support for LGBT+ community, which is amazing!

Support for LGBT+ staff at the trust

I can highly recommend the LGBT+ staff network. Clinic commitments mean that I do not regularly attend, but I know that the network is a very safe place for all LGBT+ staff to get advice, support, and friendship. I find it so positive that our trust supports diversity amongst its staff.

Why is it important to celebrate LGBT+ history month?

Throughout the 60s and 70s, I was terrified that someone would guess I was gay. Since then, there’s been huge progress around acceptance, and it’s important to remember how hard-won this was.

There’s always more we can learn and there’s still a long way to go!