Rachel Flowers, Croydon’s Director of Public Health, has written in her latest annual report about putting a spotlight on challenges faced by LGBTQ+ residents after finding a lack of existing local health and wellbeing data for this community.

A video accompanying Ms Flowers’ report showcases the lives of local people and allies in the LGBTQ+ community, with first-hand accounts of the impact of their experiences.

Limited data on the LGBTQ+ community makes it difficult to understand their health and wellbeing needs and the inequalities they face. LGBTQ+ people are more likely than others to feel isolated or lonely.

Rachel Flowers highlights three key things we can all do to support Croydon’s LGBTQ+ community. These are to keep questioning our assumptions, actively support their visibility and promote their representation across all areas.

A series of recommendations in the director of public health’s report aim to achieve, through collective efforts, a more inclusive, equitable and supportive society for all, and a Croydon where everybody can thrive.

Ms Flowers will work with Croydon’s LGBTQ+ population, health, social care, voluntary and community sectors, and other key partners to implement these recommendations.

Rachel Flowers, Croydon’s director of public health, said: “My report this year is a celebration of the wonderful LGBTQ+ community we have in Croydon, and a call to action for everyone to be allies to support them. I am grateful to all the people who took part in the video. We now have a much better understanding of the challenges they face in Croydon including poorer health outcomes, and inequalities accessing health and care services."