Supporting new training for maternity care in NHS Lothian

We were delighted to support the creation of a short film to better understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ families using maternity services.

The film, created by Media Education in partnership with NHS Lothian, LGBT+ Health and Wellbeing, and the Maternity Voices Partnership, features five LGBTQ+ families and a midwife speaking openly and honestly about their journeys through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. Their stories shine a light on what inclusive, person‑centred care looks like in practice, and where small changes can make a big difference. The resource uses these first‑hand testimonies as a starting point for staff to reflect on their own clinical practice, supported by practical guidance, examples of good practice, and a resource list developed with Equality Network.

To promote the new resource, the Charity also supported refreshments for the launch event, ‘Listening to LGBT+ Voices in Maternity Services’, bringing together staff, partners and advocates. This event both celebrated the project and showed NHS Lothian’s ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion and equal access to compassionate maternity care.

The project was also presented at the NES Annual Conference, and the Lay Chair of the Maternity Voices Partnership shared thanks for the Charity’s support, acknowledging that the resource will help ensure pregnancy and birth care for LGBTQ+ families is “informed, respectful and person‑centred.”

This film and accompanying training resource form part of a wider, long‑term programme of work aimed at strengthening inclusive culture within maternity services, ensuring every family feels seen, heard and supported throughout their maternity journey.