ESRA aims to provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and comfortable. Treatment services are not reaching diverse communities and we are working with the sector to explore cultural barriers to seeking help.

The 2021 census shows that 85% of Hastings’ population is White British. Similarly, 85% of ESRA’s clients are also White British. However, we know that there is an increasing population of people from other ethnic minorities. ESRA is looking to develop new ways to contact these groups, by connecting with organisations, faith groups and cultural associations in Hastings that represent these different communities. We are keen to do more to increase the diversity within the service.

We have several clients who are actively involved in the LGBTQ+ community, and we are also supporting people who are transitioning.  The census in 2021 shows that 4.6% of the population in Hastings identified with a LGBTQ+ orientation and 0.51% identified with a gender different to their birth gender. Previously we haven’t collected data regarding sexual orientation but have recently updated our induction form to enable us to collect this information. We will then shape our services accordingly.