PINC

There are thousands of children and young people who grow up feeling that they are different from those around them. Maybe they can't explain it. Maybe they know how they feel all too well.

Often their difference is picked on by other kids and they are shunned or subjected to name-calling and bullying. Sometimes they ring Child Line – increasing numbers do. However, many still feel they have no one to turn to.

The NSPCC is supported by Community and increasing numbers of its staff are joining our union. It is well aware of the problem and has been doing what it can for some years.

Now, thanks to an initiative set up by some Community members, the NSPCC has a support group of staff who are themselves lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). This group can not only support staff who are LGBT but can better understand and help children and young people who are also growing up ‘different.’

We can not only help staff and the young people the NSPCC is working with, but we can also help the organisation itself as it seeks to develop its equality and diversity strategy,’ says Carolyn Heller who chairs the group, called PINC (Pride In the NSPCC's Colleagues), along with colleague Andrew Kyle.

‘Our first meeting was held on 8 February last year so we recently celebrated our first year anniversary,’ Carolyn said.

‘What has been particularly nice is the warmth of welcome and support we have received from the NSPCC’s Black Workers Support Group which was set up years ago.

‘One of the first things we did,’ said Carolyn who is a Blackpool-based children’s service practitioner, ‘was to send to NSPCC staff, via the internet, a survey which we asked them to complete. We wanted to hear from staff who maybe are themselves LGBT and from staff who are heterosexual but interested in how we could grow the group.’

The survey produced 199 responses – a response rate of nearly 8 per cent which is four times higher than the average for an online survey.

‘Over a third of the respondents to the survey identified themselves as LGBT but there were some replies from staff who simply wished the new group well.

‘One of our aims is to influence the plans and policies of the NSPCC,’ Carolyn said, ‘and we have drawn up a list of recommendations to management.'

These include recommendations that the NSPCC materials reflect, where appropriate, same sex parents and LGBT youth.

‘We are fortunate in that the leadership team of the NSPCC, our highest management tier, assured us of their firm support, and the team is now looking at our recommendations with a view to their implementation.’

PINC also offers a consultation and advice service to all NSPCC functions.

A leaflet explaining PINC’s role will be widely circulated and young people with whom the NSPCC is working will become aware that there is a group who understand what it is like to have a different sexual orientation and is ready to speak to those who want to talk things through.

‘It may be,’ said Carolyn ‘that a colleague within NSPCC has a child or young person who needs support and advice on being gay and we can assist.’

PINC’s first year has been focused on establishing the group, developing its constitution and business plan, and activity in its second year will concentrate on supporting more LGBT staff and working with management to implement the group’s recommendations.

‘It’s really exciting,’ Carolyn declared. ‘No one gets time off to do the work but our committee members are putting in a great deal of effort and time. Everyone is very enthusiastic. The NSPCC is backing us and we are really going to drive ahead.’

New members of staff, when inducted, will learn about the group which they can join if they wish. They will also be informed of the two other support groups in NSPCC, one for black workers and another for people with a disability.

‘Equality and diversity are not just words in the NSPCC, the organisation wants to see it in practice, and PINC will be playing its part,’ Carolyn said. ‘We’ll not only talk the talk but walk the walk.