Walking With The Wounded reaffirms commitment to LGBT+ veterans
20 August 2024
1 min read
Walking With The Wounded is proud to announce its continued support for the Pride in Veterans’ Standards initiative, having renewed its commitment for a second year. This pledge underscores WWTW's dedication to upholding the highest standards of inclusivity for LGBT+ veterans.
The Pride in Veterans’ Standards initiative, established by Fighting With Pride, invites organisations that support veterans to create a more inclusive environment for LGBT+ veterans, their families, and serving personnel. It highlights organisations committed to treating all veterans with dignity, respect, and understanding.
The initiative offers a structured approach for veteran-focused organisations to ensure their services are inclusive. To participate, organisations must demonstrate an understanding of the unique experiences of LGBT+ veterans and how these experiences may influence their ability to access support.
By joining this scheme, WWTW commits to the following six principles:
- Warmly welcoming LGBT+ veterans, serving personnel, and their families.
- Ensuring all staff, volunteers, and members are aware of the distinct challenges faced by LGBT+ individuals, especially those affected by the Armed Forces "gay ban."
- Tailoring support to meet the specific needs of LGBT+ veterans.
- Recognising that some LGBT+ veterans may have experienced mental health challenges due to their service and ensuring that support is appropriately tailored.
- Promoting inclusion, dignity, and respect for LGBT+ individuals in all aspects of their work.
- Understanding the diversity within the LGBT+ community and recognising that different groups may have different needs.
Anna Tydeman, Head of People and Culture at WWTW, commented,“We are committed to being an inclusive employer and as part of that, we are proud to renew our commitment to the Pride in Veterans’ Standards for the second year. Every veteran, regardless of background, ethnicity, or sexuality, deserves access to the highest standard of care and support after their service. At WWTW, we are dedicated to providing the best possible support services to veterans and their families, and we look forward to continuing our work with Fighting With Pride to fulfil this commitment.”