MEMBERS of LGBTQ+ communities in East Sussex are being encouraged to share their views on health and care services across the county.

The council, working with range of health, care and voluntary sector partners, is conducting a needs assessment for local LGBTQ+ communities.

People are encouraged have their say about their experiences of health, accessing local services and the impact of Covid-19 through an online survey to help improve services locally.

The survey is open to East Sussex residents (excluding Brighton and Hove) aged 16 or over who identify as LGBTQ+. This may include people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, pansexual, asexual or any other sexual minority, or identify as trans, non-binary, gender queer, gender fluid, gender non-confirming, agender or any other gender minority, or have a variation in sex characteristics (sometimes known as ‘intersex’).

Cllr Carl Maynard, lead member for Adult Social Care and Health at East Sussex County Council, said: “The input of those who use our services is invaluable to us. Hearing about the experiences of those in our LGBTQ+ communities will help us to develop our services in a way that benefits everyone.

“We particularly want to hear from community members who are also part of intersectional groups as we recognise they are significantly under-represented in local engagement work. This could include communities such as those who are LGBTQ+ with disabilities and/or neurodivergence, community members who are Black and/or People of Colour, gypsy and traveller communities, those aged over 50, and those with a variation in sex characteristics (sometimes known as ‘intersex’.”

The survey runs until Sunday, September 26. To take part visit eastsussex.gov.uk/lgbtq or call 07599 101119 to arrange to complete the survey over the telephone.

Cllr Maynard added: “Similar projects in other areas have resulted in real change, such as LGBTQ+ training for GPs and the development of new and innovative services for LGBTQ+ communities.

“I encourage anyone who identifies as a member of our LGBTQ+ communities to complete the survey and help shape local services in the future.”