The Pride Project at Rampton Hospital
During June and July 2024, colleagues, service users, and the wider community of Rampton Hospital came together to share what 'Pride' means to them. They talked about their views on Pride, the issues faced by marginalised groups, and actions that support human rights in a fair society. They expressed themselves through words, digital pictures, and individual images to be as inclusive as possible. The artwork was displayed at Nottinghamshire Pride, which took place on Saturday 27 July 2024.
A ‘brick’ pattern was used to symbolise a pathway, reflecting people's life or recovery journeys with the services we provide and Pride. This also connected to the history of Pride month, referring to 'Stonewall' - the inn where protests in 1969 sparked the gay rights movement.
The Pride Project is part of the hospital’s Culture Development Programme and work on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. It was supported as a hospital-wide creative initiative that encouraged engagement, community spirit, and empowerment.
Overall, the message is that we are all human, no matter the challenges we face in life. The project highlights that no-one should be discriminated against for being their true selves, and everyone deserves love, respect, and care.
Bethany Hills, Assistant Psychologist at Rampton Hospital said, "Pride is about celebrating each other’s authenticity and sharing compassion and education. It highlights the importance of accepting and supporting everyone, especially those who have been marginalised for being themselves.
As part of the Psychology team and the Culture Development Programme at Rampton Hospital, I knew it was important to include as many people as possible. Celebrating diversity, encouraging inclusion, and spotlighting service user voices is vital because they are the ones we care for. Colleagues, service users, and the wider community are all human, each unique with a voice-let’s use it to uplift each other in a kind and loving way."
A selection of the artwork will be on display at Duncan Macmillan House this week, as part of the LGBT+ staff network art exhibition. All the pieces will then go on display throughout Rampton Hospital from next month.
With thanks to our patients, carers and colleagues for their work on this project.