Norfolk’s mental health trust will be attending the third annual Norwich Pride, to show their commitment to equality and diversity in the county.

Representatives from Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust will be attending the event at The Forum, Norwich on 30 July 2011.

The Trust has a joint lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) network with Norfolk County Council. Members will be on hand at the stalls to talk to members of the public about the links between equality and mental health services.

There will be a two metre tall ‘Tree of Pride’ based on the Trust logo and people will be invited to attach a ‘leaf’ saying what they are proud of.

On the day Robert Nesbitt, Trust Secretary, will be giving a talk about mental health and LGB issues, which forms part of the event’s “Full of Pride” informal discussions.

“We’ve known for some time that LGB people can experience higher rates of mental distress,” Robert said. “There is good evidence to show that is caused by growing up or living in a homophobic culture.


“I’ll be looking at the history of homophobia and there will also be time to discuss how we can tackle bullying and build resilience.”

The talk will be held at 4:45pm on 30 July 2011 in The Cube, which is upstairs at the Forum.

Trust Chair Maggie Wheeler said: “I am really pleased the Trust is involved with Norwich Pride again this year. This is about being part of our community, and showing that our services are open to everyone. Embracing diversity isn’t something we add on to our work – it should be what we do every day. Taking part in Pride is a brilliant way of showing this.”

Members of the Board of Governors and Directors will be attending the event.