LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other marginalised sexual orientations and gender identities. Previous research shows that care providers severely disregard LGBTQ+ identities and relationships, as well as their relevance for care needs. As a result, the older LGBTQ+ population has become invisible, is hesitant to access services, and faces poorer health outcomes than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Care providers lack the skills and confidence to improve their LGBTQ+ inclusive care offer (University of Kent 2024).
Is the guide relevant to Northern Ireland?
The Northern Ireland (NI) version of the CIRCLE handy guide was adapted from the original guide developed from the CIRCLE study 2022-2024.
How was the guide launched in NI?
The Independent Sector Nurse Manager Network (ISNMN) hosted an event delivered by the NMC exploring Professional Behaviours and Fitness to Practice on Wednesday, 15th April 2026. This was the perfect time to launch a practical, handy guide to support nurses working in nursing home settings.
The launch was about providing an easily accessible pocket-sized version of the already developed CIRCLE handy guide, relevant to Northern Ireland. It is a clear, thoughtful, and locally relevant handy guide designed to support nursing home staff across Northern Ireland in meeting the needs of LGBTQ+ older people.
Why this guide matters now
Across Northern Ireland, nurses and healthcare assistants caring for patients in nursing homes are already delivering compassionate, person-centred care every day. However, when it comes to understanding the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ patients, many of whom grew up in less accepting times, there can be uncertainty. Not because people do not care, but from a lack of understanding and guidance.
This Northern Ireland version of the CIRCLE handy guide will help support positive change.
This guide acknowledged that inclusion is sometimes about the everyday details:
• How we ask questions
• How we document relationships
• How we respect identity
• How we create environments where people feel safe to be themselves
Sometimes, when a patient is admitted to a nursing home, they can feel overwhelmed, and this can be intensified for LGBTQ+ patients, as it may feel like entering a space where they fear having to hide who they are. This guide will help nursing staff and healthcare assistants consider the impact and learn how to better support their patients.
Capturing the conversation
On the day we recorded a series of short soundbites from nurses working in nursing homes on how helpful this guide will be for them and their teams. These clips will be shared across RCN social media over the coming weeks.
The guide will help nurses and healthcare assistants in Northern Ireland, as it is a working tool developed from the CIRCLE project, which will assist them to:
• Guide them in team discussions
• Support staff training
•Reference when supporting patients and those important to them
•Build their confidence in inclusive practice
Most importantly, this guide allows nurses and healthcare assistants to ask questions, facilitate learning, and improve.
How can you get your copy
If you work in a nursing home in Northern Ireland, this guide is for you.
You can:
• Contact RCN directly to request a Z-card copy: Brenda.Rushe@rcn.org.uk
•Download the PDF version from the University of Kent CIRCLE website:
If you work in a nursing home in Northern Ireland, this resource is designed to support you in delivering person-centred care.
The bigger picture
The launch of the Northern Ireland handy guide in Belfast follows a podcast recorded with Dr Jolie Kemmick, the principal investigator of the CIRCLE project
https://www.rcn.org.uk/northernireland/Independent-Sector-in-Northern-Ireland
This is the beginning of our journey to provide care that prioritises dignity, visibility, and respect for LGBTQ+ older people.
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