Different Strokes was produced by Shout!, in partnership with the Centre for HIV & Sexual Health, NHS Sheffield and the Department of Health, as part of the national Pacesetters programme. The initial project objective was to deliver training sessions to GP practices in the Sheffield area, facilitated by members from the local LGB population. The volunteers were recruited and trained in early 2008 and sessions were delivered later that year to GP practices as well as during conferences, events and staff training days.

Following evaluation of the project, the outcomes were expanded to include producing a robust training package building on the material used during the sessions. The Different Strokes training pack was officially launched at an event in Sheffield in February 2010, which was opened with a speech by Sheffield City Council leader Cllr Paul Scriven.

Different Strokes was a result of effective partnership working between the agencies involved. An open and flexible approach enabled the project team to respond to project challenges as they arose, including a general lack of awareness of the sessions amongst GP practices, maintaining the volunteers interest and managing the project without the benefit of fixed staffing resources. The training sessions delivered were very well received, with excellent feedback from participants. More importantly staff from GP practices and other health and social care services was able to identify areas of improvements within their services and in some cases allocate responsibilities during the sessions. This clearly demonstrates that there is a need for continuing to raise awareness of LGB people’s health needs amongst health and social care professionals.

For further information about the project contact Nik Thoren, Shout! Manager on tel: 0114 253 6767 or email: support@shoutinsheffield.co.uk