We have submitted evidence to the NHS England LGBT+ health evidence review, to help tackle health inequalities experienced by LGBT+ people.
The aim of the evidence review is to help the NHS understand how it can do more to meet the needs of LGBT+ people, including understanding barriers to accessing healthcare and the impact of LGBT+ health inequalities on outcomes and patient safety.
Due to the nature of our work, our response outlines evidence about alcohol harm among LGBT+ people, with a focus on access and experiences of alcohol treatment services.
In our response, we highlighted that:
- LGBT+ people can be at higher risk of alcohol-related problems but often struggle to get the support they need.
- More research is needed, as UK LGBT+ individuals are currently largely missing from the research literature on alcohol support needs and experience
- Stigma, discrimination and fear of negative reactions can make seeking help particularly difficult, especially for trans people.
- Many treatment services don’t consider the role of sexuality or gender identity, leaving people feeling overlooked or unwelcome.
Our recommendations include:
- Increasing funding for alcohol treatment services, so they can better meet the needs of LGBT+ people and others facing barriers to support.
- Alcohol services should actively demonstrate LGBT+ inclusivity — through visible signs, inclusive language, trained staff, and LGBT+ champions.
- Services need to provide safe spaces, link with mental health support, and offer flexible options such as online peer support.
- Collect and analyse national data on alcohol use by sexual orientation and gender identity, to identify inequalities and guide targeted support.
