LGBTQIA+ HEALTHCARE NEWS

NHS Launches First Ever Review to Tackle LGBTQIA+ Health Inequalities 🏳️🌈

Published 13 August 2025 | by Barberras Botanicals

Why this matters to Barberras and the LGBTQIA+ community?

The NHS has launched its first-ever national review aimed at addressing the health inequalities experienced by LGBT+ people in England as reported by NHS England, National Health Executive and Open Access Government. This important initiative is a bold step toward understanding—and correcting—the disparities in areas such as:         

• Mental Health Support
• Cancer screening and primary care
• Sexual and reproductive health
• HIV care and perinatal services
• Prevention services (e.g., smoking, alcohol, drug support) 

Chronic challenges in accessing quality care have led to poorer health outcomes for LGBTQIA+ people, with prior surveys showing reports of discrimination, mistrust, and lack of adequate services.

The review will involve:

• A six-month evidence-based investigation which was launched on 29 July 2025
• Led by Dr Michael Brady, NHS England’s National Adviser on LGBT Health VCSE
• Involves analysis of existing datasets, literature, clinical settings, and fresh data submissions from academia, clinicians, and community groups
• A public call for contributions and nationwide engagement events in September–October 2025 NHS England

The final report and recommendations will be presented to Health Secretary Wes Streeting in December 2025.

Voices calling for change are:

• Dr Michael Brady: “It’s unacceptable that LGBTQIA+ people have a poorer overall experience of health services… This is the first review to look in depth… and make recommendations to better meet their needs.”
• Wes Streeting: “The NHS is at its best when it serves everyone equally… For too many LGBT+ people, accessing quality healthcare remains a challenge… Every patient deserves dignity, respect, and excellent care.”
• Joan Saddler (NHS Confederation): “Everyone deserves to have a positive healthcare experience… we are deeply concerned that LGBTQ+ people face significant health inequalities… We support the government’s ambition to create a health system where everyone feels safe, respected, and seen.” NHS Confederation, Healthcare Management
• Brian Caldwell-White (Founder of Barberras Botanicals): "As a Gay man, whom has several health issues, with one of them being prostate cancer. I wholeheartedly welcome this review, as I have found it very difficult, on occasion, because i am gay and have had my prostate removed and this can be overlooked by the NHS as not that important."

The Patients Association, through Chief Exec Rachel Power, highlighted how poor experiences in primary care, mental health, and cancer screening have led to distrust and real health harm—and urged that LGBTQIA+ voices be central to shaping solutions Patients Association.

Why it matters for you, me —and us at Barberras:

As a brand proudly rooted in natural, inclusive, and science-backed wellness, and as a company owned by a Gay man and as proud members of the Safe Space Alliance this news resonates deeply:

1. Health equality matters – Holistic health isn’t just about ingredients, but who gets access to support and care.
2. Trust builds health – Discrimination undermines both trust in communities and effectiveness of mental-health and wellness care.
3. Community listening – Aligning with NHS’s call for input means supplement Barberras can participate—perhaps via surveys, partnerships, or thought pieces—to ensure marginalized voices are heard.

How we’re responding (and how you can, too):

• 💡 Stay informed: We'll be following NHS engagement opportunities—like the call for written evidence and autumn events—so we can contribute data-driven insights about natural-ingredient wellbeing in LGBTQIA+ groups.
• 🤝 Community collaboration: We're exploring partnerships with LGBTQIA+ charity groups and wellness organisations to share best practices.
• 📣 Product equity: We’re reviewing our formulations and messaging to ensure they are inclusive and non-stigmatizing—and welcome feedback.

How you can engage:

• Explore NHS’s public consultation on their Equality Hub—submissions are open until 31 August 2025
• Join local engagement events in September–October to share lived experience or professional insight via the following link: NHS England
• Reach out: Have you felt excluded in healthcare or wellness? Let NHS England know via the engagement events — they want your stories to help shape inclusive health solutions.

In summary

The NHS’s review is a watershed moment—it's the first time this scope of LGBTQIA+ health inequality is being investigated nationally. From mental health to cancer screening, this could unlock better understanding and guide long-term improvements across the healthcare system.

As a natural-supplement brand, we stand ready to support, bridge, and speak up. This isn’t just big news for public health—it’s a signal for all wellness-focused brands to reflect on inclusivity, access, and community compassion.

References & further reading

• NHS news release, July 29, 2025 NHS England
• NHS Confederation & Patients Association responses NHS Confederation, The Patients Association
• VCSE, Health Business, Open Access Government summaries vcse.uk, Open Access Government, National Health Executive

Final word

Health isn’t one-size-fits-all. By standing behind inclusive healthcare initiatives, we not only advance wellness—we help build a world where everyone, regardless of identity, can thrive. Let’s engage, support, and uplift—naturally.

Wondering how supplements can support mental wellness, hormone balance, or community health? Reach out—we’d love to share insights and include your voice.