BridgePoint Project CIC has joined the Pride in Veterans Standard.
The Pride in Veterans Standard (PiVS) is a programme run by Fighting With Pride, a military charity supporting LGBT+ veterans, serving personnel and their families — particularly those affected by the ban on LGBT+ personnel serving in the Armed Forces prior to January 2000.
The Standard provides a framework for organisations working with veterans to ensure their services are genuinely inclusive and welcoming to LGBT+ veterans. Signing up means committing to:
Building awareness among staff and volunteers of the different challenges LGBT+ people have faced, including those affected by the historic Armed Forces "gay ban."
Understanding that for some LGBT+ veterans, their experiences have affected their mental health, and ensuring any support is tailored accordingly.
Promoting inclusion, dignity and respect for LGBT+ people in everything we do.
Recognising the different groups within the LGBT+ community and that their needs may differ.
LGBT+ veterans and Service leavers should feel just as confident approaching BridgePoint Project for support as anyone else. Being part of the Pride in Veterans Standard is one way of making that commitment visible, so people know what to expect before they reach out.
You can read more about the Standard, and see the full list of participating organisations, on Fighting With Pride's website.