The live Q&As can be accessed through MS Teams. As an attendee you will not be seen or heard and you'll only have permission to view and to ask questions, so nobody will see you if you join.

You do not have to have an MS teams account and you can join using your web browser or your phone. We're aware the video is not perfect on mobile devices just yet.

How to join from a desktop or laptop

  1. Click the attendee link to join the MS teams live event. 
  2. You'll be taken to a page in the browser and given options. If you have MS Teams installed on your computer, it may redirect you to the app. If you do not have Teams already installed, click ‘Watch on the web instead'.
  3. You should be directed straight through to the live event.
  4. You can ask questions using your Q&A bar and you can remain anonymous if you wish.

How to join using a mobile phone

  1. Download the MS Teams app. You do not need to login or create an account.
  2. Click the link to join the live event and you'll be redirected to your browser. Follow the instructions on the screen.

LGBT history month.pngNorth Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is marking the UK's official lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) History Month by holding a live Teams event with sexual health doctor Professor Matt Phillips. It will take place on Wednesday, February 24 at 12pm and you can join here: 

Join the LGBT+ history month event

The overall aim of LGBT History Month is to promote equality and diversity for the benefit of the public. Held every February since 2005, LGBT+ History Month aims to raise awareness of - and combat prejudice against - the LGBT+ community and highlight its achievements and diversity. The theme of this year’s event is ‘body, mind, spirit’.

Professor Matt Phillips, associate medical director and sexual health doctor at NCIC, said: “As it is LGBT+ history month, I’ll be talking about the interwoven story of AIDS/HIV and LGBT history.

“Sexual health has been going on in Carlisle for more than 103 years. The first ledgers are still at Hilltop Heights.

“Attitudes have changed. There is a lot more awareness now though but a lot of work still needs to be done.

“Some people are still afraid of talking to their employers about LGBT+ issues and sexual health. People still talk about coming out and that feeling that they must come out.”

Prof Phillips said the TV show It’s A Sin has helped to dispel some of the myths surrounding Aids and LGBTQ issues.

He said: “The show is fantastic and it is a real eye opener. The scene where one of the actor’s with Aids is banished to a ward all alone is horrifying.

“Things are further forward than they used to be but we’re not where we need to be yet.”

As a Trust we support our staff and have an LGBT+ staff network for those who are interested in getting involved. Things have come a long way as we look at the history and towards the future this month, look out for the Pride flags flying at different locations this month and send us your pictures and let us know what LGBT+ History Month means to you.

Staff interested in becoming an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion representative can contact one of the team on 07813398839 or email: EqualityandDiversity@cumbria.nhs.uk

Further information about LGBTQ+ History Month is available at: https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/ and on Twitter: #LGBTHM21