South Central Ambulance Service
SCAS LGBT+ Network
Chairperson
Kirsten Willis-Drewett BEM
Assistant Director of Operations
kirsten.willis-drewett@scas.nhs.uk
Deputy Chairperson
Chris Darley
Paramedic Team Leader
chris.darley@scas.nhs.uk
Trust Support Provider
Health Assured
0800 028 0199
Staff Network
The SCAS LGBT+ Network began life in 2012, with a launch event at Reading Pride. Set up to support those staff members, volunteers and contractors working within the South Central Ambulance Service area, identifying as LGBT+ as well as our straight allies.
We attend Pride events within our area, including Oxford, Reading, Portsmouth, Southampton, Milton Keynes and Brighton, promoting diversity and inclusion for all.
The committee provide advise and support to staff and leaders within the Organisation and regularly arrange social events alongside our colleagues from Thames Valley Police’ LGBT+ Network, whom we collaborate with closely.
We have representation via the Network Chairs at the SCAS Equality and Diversity Steering Group, which is chaired by our CEO, as well as at the National Ambulance LGBT+ Network.
We welcome membership applications from any SCAS member of staff, regardless of role.
Additional Support
Staff are supported within SCAS by the following services:
- SCAS LGBT+ Network via LGBT@scas.nhs.uk
- Occupation Health Provider – Team Prevent via www.teampreventwellbeing.co.uk
- Health Assured – Employee Assistant Programme – Access Code = MHA193841
- Health and Wellbeing Team – Trust Lead is Rachael Clarke - rachael.clarke@scas.nhs.uk
- Freedom to Speak Up Guardian – Trust Lead is Simon Holbrook Simon.Holbrook@scas.nhs.uk
- TRiM – Post Incident Support for staff involved in Traumatic Incidents via TRimCo-ordinators@scas.nhs.uk
Local Information
- SCAS LGBT+ Network via LGBT@scas.nhs.uk
- Thames Valley Police LGBT+ Network via LGBT@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk who can provide support and advise on issues such as hate crime.
- Support U providing advice and guidance to the LGBT+ community in Reading and the Thames Valley via www.supportu.org.uk
- Thames Valley Positive Support providing support for people affected by HIV across Berkshire via www.tvps.org.uk
- Sexual Health Service in Oxfordshire via www.sexualhealthoxfordshire.nhs.uk
- Sexual Health Services in Buckinghamshire via www.sexualhealthbucks.nhs.uk
- Sexual Health Matters in Reading via www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/wards-and-services/hiv-clinic.htm
- Hampshire LGBT+ Alliance via www.hants.gov.uk/community/lgbt-alliance
- Milton Keynes LGBTQ+ Alliance via www.qalliance.org.uk