19th September 2024
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has been awarded the prestigious ‘Trust of Sanctuary’ Award in recognition of its commitment to providing a safe, welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of background, ethnicity, or origin. No other Health Trust in Northern Ireland or the rest of the UK has received this accreditation.
The Sanctuary Awards recognise and celebrate the organisations who go above and beyond to welcome people seeking sanctuary. This award is recognition of our staff’s commitment to deliver inclusive treatment and care across both hospital and community sites, all of which are shared spaces where everyone is welcome and treated with dignity and respect. We are working tirelessly to tackle inequalities and make sure that everyone has the best possible opportunity to succeed in life and can feel at home in our society.
Belfast Trust applied earlier this year to become a Trust of Sanctuary and hosted a visit for City of Sanctuary members to see at first hand the high quality, safe and compassionate services we provide.
Some of examples of this work include International recruitment and support for international staff, introduction of a Cultural Liaison Midwife in maternity services, our Inequalities and Inclusion Team who support refugee and asylum seekers in Belfast and our continued support for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
We are also the only Trust in Northern Ireland to have a Good Relations Strategy, which played an integral part in our success with this award and underpins our corporate and social responsibility as the largest Health and Social Care Trust and employer in NI.
Belfast Trust has always been keen to learn more about the experiences of newcomers and how to better support and welcome them. The Trust was a key partner in the commissioning of a report examining inequalities experienced by black, Asian, minority ethnic and Traveller communities living in Belfast. The report recognised the value of collaborative working, the ongoing need for our good relations work and actions within our good relations strategy.
Interim Chief Executive Maureen Edwards expressed her pride in the achievement:
“Receiving this award is not just a badge of honour for Belfast Trust, but a testament to our ethos of inclusion and respect for all. It reinforces our ongoing commitment to embracing diversity and ensuring that every person who enters our doors feels valued and supported. This accolade is a significant milestone in our Good Relations journey, and we are proud to lead the way in creating a culture of sanctuary within healthcare.”
Orla Barron Interim Co-Director of Planning and Equality stated:
“The ‘Trust of Sanctuary’ award affirms our commitment to providing not only the highest standards of care but also a sense of belonging for everyone who uses our services. We are determined to continue championing inclusivity, ensuring that our spaces are open and welcoming to all, reflecting the diversity of the communities across Belfast.”
“This recognition marks a transformative step in Belfast Trust’s journey, strengthening our resolve to make inclusivity a cornerstone of our care and ensuring that Belfast Trust is a sanctuary for all.”
To further highlight our commitment to inclusivity and support for the vulnerable, Belfast Trust community sites will showcase the impactful artwork of renowned artist Oliver Jeffers. The exhibition, ‘Seen: Shining a Light on Society’s Most Vulnerable,’ was created in collaboration with young refugees and asylum seekers, and serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and solidarity with those often overlooked in society.
Watch the video to find out more.