Marching with Pride at Brighton and Hove

Staff joined ambulance service colleagues from across the country this month to take part in the annual Brighton and Hove Pride march.

More than 130 ambulance staff took part in the 1^st August parade, the biggest turn out to date, to show their support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

In the ninth consecutive year that staff have represented the ambulance service, teams also managed a stand at Preston Park to demonstrate life-saving skills, community first responding and to discuss recruitment opportunities.

Shannon, a dispatcher, has represented the Trust at Pride for the past four years: “This was an excellent weekend, it was great to see so many staff from across the country attend and it shows how far the ambulance service has come with equality and diversity.

“The weather was spectacular and the crowd’s support for us was unbelievable; our job can be really hard at times, but it was inspiring to see the public supporting diverse groups. It would be great to see even more of the EEAST team there next year.”

Ambulance teams also discussed the re-launch of the LGBT staff forum; hoping to provide staff with the means discuss issues and best practice with one another, and offer online mentoring opportunities. Keep an eye on Need to Know for more updates!

Published 20th August, 2015