Council is full of PRIDE

03 Jul 2020 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

With all events cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrations had to take a different form this year.

The month began with the council showing support by flying the rainbow flag at County Hall in Morpeth and Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service headquarters at West Hartford.

Tynedale House planned their own Pride event at the home, promoting their support of equality and diversity.  The team of staff and residents made a variety of handmade rainbow floats that were showcased during their very own parade.  The event also featured video messages from Her Grace The Duchess of Northumberland, Northumberland County Council staff, members of the community and even actor, David O’Reilly who has featured on BBC Doctors and the Benidorm series.

Meanwhile council staff joined in the fun during Pride Month by holding a virtual LGBT lunchtime quiz, dressing up in rainbow colours.

Cllr Veronica Jones, cabinet member for adult wellbeing and health said: “Although we were unable to host Northumberland Pride as planned this year, we were still very keen to support Pride month in some way. 

“As a council, we believe it is really important that everyone is treated fairly and as an organisation we respect equality and diversity.  And it’s important that we promote our support of equality throughout the council and the whole of the county.”

Cllr Barry Flux, Chair of the Northumberland County Council Pride Joint Working Group said:
“Northumberland Pride is a fantastic event which breaks down barriers and promotes inclusion across Northumberland. We were very disappointed that this year's event could not take place but we will be working with the Northumberland Pride Committee to plan for next year as soon as circumstances allow.  

“We look forward to Northumberland Pride in 2021 taking place and am sure that it will be bigger and better than ever before.”

For more information about equality and diversity at Northumberland County Council, visit: www.northumberland.gov.uk/About/Equality.aspx#equalityinnorthumberland