Pride in Practice Update
LGBT Foundation and Pride in Practice would like to thank everyone who has supported our work over the last year. As we move towards the New Year, we appreciate all of the healthcare professionals and services that continue to develop support for their LGBTQ+ patients and work with us to help to make important health and wellbeing information available to LGBTQ+ communities across the country.
There are some exciting developments coming up in 2026 and we are always eager to hear from you if there is any are of LGBTQ+ healthcare where you think your team would appreciate more information and support.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the very best for the festive season and please know that there are support services to access over the holiday season for LGBTQ+ people.
Although exact opening times were not available at time of putting together this Bulletin, the following services will be available over the festive period.
LGBT Foundation Helpline – 0345 3 30 30 30. Email: helpline@lgbt.foundation
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline – 0800 0119 100 email at hello@switchboard.lgbt
News
NEW HIV Action Plan to improve HIV testing
On World AIDs Day– Monday 1st December, the government launched a scheme that will see thousands of people benefit from improved HIV testing and treatment under a new action plan.
At the heart of the plan is a first-of-its-kind national programme that will find and support people who are not accessing lifesaving HIV treatment and bring them back into care.
There are currently as many as one in 10 people living with diagnosed HIV who are not under medical care, according to a National AIDS Trust report published in September.
The HIV Action Plan is designed to support everyone affected by HIV although there will be a clear focus on gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) Black African heterosexual men and women and other ethnic minority adults.
The £170m package also includes funding for opt-out HIV testing at A&Es during routine blood tests in areas with the highest rates, including London and Manchester.
Reducing HIV Stigma
We can all do our bit to help reduce HIV stigma and promote HIV testing to people who may need information and support around knowing their own HIV status.
As we have just marked World Aids Day on 1st December this is a perfect opportunity to promote HIV awareness and testing and fight the stigma and misinformation that many people still struggle with in accessing the appropriate resources that they may need.
Please feel free to download any of the below posters that could help your patients in having the correct information that is right for them about HIV and how and the importance for all of us in knowing our HIV status.
Call THT Direct on 0808 802 1221 for support, advice and information or email: info@tht.org.uk
Changing gender on NHS records: the options and what they mean for the patient
The NHS has recently updated its guidance on how to update a person’s gender on their patient record. This was done to give trans and non-binary people who are eighteen and older more choices about what happens to their medical record when they re-register their gender.
In this blog from OUTpatients they explore the current options, some of the pros and cons of the different choices, and provide more information to help patients make an informed choice.
Information about re-registering gender with a patient’s GP is found in the guidance produced by Primary Care Support England.
Free LGBTQ+ Magazines for your service
Would you like some fresh reading material in your practice waiting room? Please contact us for free copies of Out Northwest!
Out Northwest was a magazine published bi-monthly by LGBT Foundation in the early 00s-10s combining LGBTQ+ lifestyle and celebrity news with public health and community info.
With the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, we recently published a special anniversary edition in celebration of our 50th anniversary and would love it if you could help us to make it available to the community by having some copies in your waiting room for people to browse or take away for free! Please contact Stevie Watson to order and arrange free delivery.
Outnorthwest is also free to download from here
NEW TOOLKIT: Navigating trans+ healthcare pathways in England
Anne Healthcare the UK-based not-for-profit health care provider have launched a new trans+ wellbeing toolkit.
A first-of-its-kind, community-built resource to help trans+ people and allies navigate the UK’s complex healthcare system.
As NHS pathways shift and social and legal pressures grow, this toolkit provides clarity, reassurance and practical guidance to help people access the care they need.
The toolkit includes an overview of gender-affirming healthcare pathways in England — across both NHS and private routes for trans adults — plus core legal protections and context on systemic challenges like long waiting times, inconsistent GP support, regional disparities, and the mental health consequences of delayed care.
It also includes advice for individuals self-medicating, information on moving between private and NHS pathways, and a detailed, extensive directory of trans+ service providers.
Explore the toolkit HERE
Be Part of History: Our Queer Future Consultation
In 2025, LGBT Foundation proudly marks 50 years. As we conclude this milestone year, we invite you to help shape Our Queer Future!
Through fun and interactive workshops, you can explore what LGBTQ+ equality should look like in 2050. The in-person events combine the workshop with a fun free activity – while the activities change, the workshops are the same, so please only register for one event. Unless otherwise stated, each event has very limited tickets, so book early to avoid disappointment!
Lunchtime Workshops
These handy online lunchtime sessions are specifically aimed at healthcare professionals and others whose professional work supports LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing, but are open to all. Clink on the dates below for more info.
Wednesday 10th December 2025, 12.00pm-1.30pm, Online
Wednesday 14th January 2026, 12.00pm-1.30pm, Online
Manchester Workshops PLUS 50 Years of Queer Hope & Joy Exhibition Tour
Thursday 15th January 2026, 12.00pm-2.30pm, Manchester Central Library
Thursday 22nd January 2026, 5.00pm-7.30pm, Manchester Central Library