Sefton staff show their Pride in Liverpool march

A Council group once again flew the flag for Sefton at this weekend’s Pride event in Liverpool.

This year’s march was held jointly by the Liverpool City Region Pride Foundation and KyivPride on Saturday 29th July.

Merseyrail helped the Sefton group travel to Liverpool in style by laying on a specially decorated train carriage. The ‘Pride Train’ started in Southport before stopping off at stations throughout the Borough on its way to Moorfields in Liverpool.

Sefton’s representatives then joined the Pride revellers to hear the speeches at St George’s Hall before marching through Liverpool city centre. A thousands-strong crowd generated a vibrant and colourful atmosphere to a blustery Saturday, with spirits high as the procession continued on to Pier Head.

Attendees lived up to this year’s theme of Shout It Loud with a fully-voiced and rainbow-covered display.

Among those attending from Sefton were members of New Beginnings, an LGTBQIA+ Youth Group for young people. New Beginnings provides a safe space and a non-judgemental environment for its members.

Members of the Sefton at Work and Sefton Fostering service were also in attendance, alongside Andrea Watts, Sefton Council’s Executive Director of People. Sefton at Work offers support and guidance for residents looking for work or training in the Borough, including interview and CV advice, internet access, and courses about employability.

Sefton Council was also joined by partners and voluntary organisations Merseyside Youth Association SPACE, and Sefton Sea Cadets.

Andrea Watts, Sefton Council’s Executive Director of People said:

“Pride is always a wonderful celebration of the LGBT+ community, and this year’s event was no exception.

“I was delighted to see so much Sefton representation, particularly from our young people and I hope everyone enjoyed today as much as I did.

“Of course, Pride is also about giving a voice to marginalised people and Sefton Council strongly supports the continued struggle for LGBT+ equality.”

The Council recently published its Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, which sets out its objectives for the next three years for maintaining a Borough that is inclusive to all.

This Strategy focuses on Sefton as an employer, as well as a place to live and work. It was created in partnership with the Council’s Corporate Equalities Group – a diverse network of representatives from across the organisation.

As a demonstration of good practice and commitment towards LGBT+ staff and community, Sefton Council was awarded the Navajo Charter Mark in 2018 and has retained it since. The mark is a signifier of dedication and knowledge of the specific needs, issues and barriers facing LGBT+ people across Merseyside.