The AHSN Network and LGBT Foundation have joined forces to launch a nationwide call for innovations to help address health inequalities facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people, many of which have been exacerbated by COVID-19.

From MedTech and digital apps to changes in practice and new pathways, we are looking for innovations and innovative approaches that are already in use or in development.

The LGBT+ community are disproportionately affected by both ill health and social pressures. These inequalities are explored in our comprehensive compilation of evidence of LGBT+ health inequalities, which makes for difficult reading.

Ground-breaking and inspiring examples of work in this area will be showcased in a report to be published later this year, which will share best practice so that it can be spread more widely across health and care services.

Whether your background is in health and care, research and academia, industry, or the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, if you’re leading exemplary work in this area, then we want to hear from you!

Richard Stubbs, Chair of the AHSN Network’s Equality and Diversity Group, said: “From lesbian women facing unconscious bias and assumptions with fertility services, lack of health services available to young trans people; through to increased likelihood of drug and alcohol use and mental health crisis, the full healthcare spectrum is more acute and severe for LGBT+ people. By combining the expertise of LGBT Foundation and the reach of the AHSNs, and by amplifying the good work and innovation already being developed, we hope to help change healthcare services for LGBT+ people and continue to serve our communities in an equitable and inclusive way.”

Rob Cookson, Deputy Chief Executive of LGBT Foundation, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed deep-rooted inequalities for LGBT people and has demonstrated that these inequalities can have horrendous and even fatal consequences. Despite these difficult times, it is important that we also focus on the positives. There is a huge range of incredible work that is being carried out to address LGBT health inequalities. From volunteer led community groups, to large corporations, there are individuals and organisations across the country undertaking inspiring and innovative work. The AHSN Network and LGBT Foundation want to highlight and promote some of this amazing work and help others to learn from, and be inspired by, these examples of great practice.”

The call for innovations closes on Monday 19 April 2021. Visit the AHSN Network website for more information and to submit details of your innovation.

Read a blog from Richard Stubbs, Chair of the AHSN Network’s Equality and Diversity Group, about the innovation call: Innovation² – LGBTQ+ health inequalities and changing the game