As you all probably know, it’s rainbow month, and if you don’t know, that means Pride month. A month dedicated to showing your support to the LGBTQ+ community. Here at Fresh, we’re super supportive of all our students in the LGBTQ+ community and we wanted to share some of the special events our Residents' Teams have got planned this month to celebrate!
So what are they getting up to? From our own stalls at their local Pride events, to rainbow baking and face painting, our teams are getting in the spirit of celebration and solidarity!
What’s happening in Liverpool?
Calico, The Lantern and Europa will have a stand at Pride in Liverpool on the 27th July – a local festival held every year in the city. They’ll have lots of goodies to give away and will be painting the town with colour with free rainbow face painting. In partnership with YoungMinds, the sites will also be accepting donations on the day to help support the charity’s on-going campaigns for young people suffering with their mental health.
Europa have already been getting in the celebrations by raising the Pride flag with rainbow bunting across the site and posting details on counselling and support services available to students.
What’s happening in Newcastle?
The Shield are handing out rainbow cupcakes – because cake is a must at any event!
Roman House are running a few competitions – guess the number of skittles in a jar for a chance to win an Amazon gift card, but most importantly – the jar of skittles itself! Or if numbers aren’t your thing, get creative by decorating a Pride cookie, the best one wins an Amazon gift card.
What’s happening in Paisley?
MyPad Paisley hosted a Paisley Pride party at their student accommodation on the 21st June. For staff, they have a glossary of LGBTQ+ terms with further information, facts and figures so they are better able to support their LGBTQ+ residents, not only during Pride month but throughout the year!
What’s happening in Edinburgh?
It was rainbow overload at Potterrow with a rainbow unicorn sweetie tuck shop party on June 21st. Bunting, balloons and flags were posted up around reception area, while staff were sporting their rainbow badges! They also have some LGBTQ+ support information alongside what Edinburgh as a city has planned for this month’s events.
What’s happening in Bournemouth?
Skyline and Oxford Point will be joining the Pride Parade in Bournemouth with a banner and their best costumes. The Assistant Accommodation Manager of Oxford Point is even bringing her puppy complete with rainbow cape! They’ll be giving out Fresh goodies and sweets so make sure you head on down to see them.
What’s happening in Bristol?
Last year, New Bridewell partnered with their local Co-op to celebrate Bristol Pride Day. Due to its success, this year is round 2! During Bristol Pride day on the 13th July, there will be Fresh and Co-op branded goodies up for grabs. The team also designed Fresh Tshirts with a giant rainbow heart on the back last year which they wore for the whole week.
What's happening in Dublin?
Union Cup is Europe’s biggest LGBT+ inclusive rugby tournament. The two-day festival of rugby was held on June 7th-9th, at Dublin’s DCU with an expected 45 teams from 15 countries to participate, making it the biggest Union Cup to date.
Our very own Accommodation Manager of Blackhall Place, Emmett Delaney, represented Ireland in the national Gay Rugby Games and even won The Man of the Tournament Union Cup, despite there being a total of 1,600 players! Although the games was supported by Bank of Ireland and Guinness, the entire Fresh family sent their support to Emmett on the day – and even some students showed their support and attended the event to cheer Emmett on!
What’s happening in Bath?
Avon Studios have set up a Wall of Pride with posters featuring some inspirational LGBTQ+ figures from around the world.
Want to attend a Pride event? Here are just a few:
London Pride Jubilee – 8th June – 6th July https://prideinlondon.org/ Dublin Pride Parade – 29th June http://dublinpride.ie/parade/ Bournemouth – Bourne Free Pride Festival – 12th-14th July https://bournefree.co.uk/ Pride in Liverpool – 27th July https://www.lcrpride.co.uk/ Southampton Pride – 24th August https://southamptonpride.org/ Pride in Sheffield – 27th July http://www.prideinsheffield.net/
In need of support?
According to The London Assembly Health Committee, 40% of the LGBTQ+ community are affected by mental health conditions compared to 25% of the wider to population. Our charity partner YoungMinds are available if you need support. Text the YoungMinds Crisis Messenger, for free 24/7 support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you need urgent help text YM to 85258
All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisorsTexts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.
Don’t forget, our Residents' Teams have an open door policy inviting students to pop in and speak to a member of the team if you have any worries or just fancy a chat. Happy Pride everyone.
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