Cherry Trees supports LGBT+ History Month

Scott is a Care Assistant at Cherry Trees Care Home in Rotherham. He has worked at Cherry Trees for over 20 years and has always been supported by his colleagues.

“When I first came out as gay in 1997 the UK was a very different place for people who identify as LGBTQ+”, said Scott. “Workplaces could have been for some people a very tough environment. But fortunately, due to the discrimination act at work 2010 it made it illegal to discriminate against anyone in the LGBTQ+ community from any harassment which in turn made life a lot more comfortable.

“Laws change every now and then, but the real fight is people’s hearts and minds. Society has changed since I came out, and at Orchard I know that they fully support the LGBTQ+ community. I finally got to marry my partner in 2016 due to the same sex marriage act that came in to force in 2013 and on that special day we were joined by most of the team at Cherry Trees to wish us well - that really meant a lot to me and my husband.”

Sharron Whaley, Home Manager at Cherry Trees, said “It’s so important that we create an environment in our care homes that is supportive and understanding towards members of the LGBT+ community. Scott is a valued member of our team and he makes our residents feel safe and secure in a ’home from home’ environment.”