STAFF from the local NHS Trust show their PRIDE.

Ahead of Crewe’s Pride in the Park event on June 29, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) welcomed staff, patients and local partners to celebrate Pride month at an event held at Delamere Resource Centre.

In addition to members of staff, volunteers and people who have accessed CWP services, the trust’s Equality and Diversity Inclusion Champions were there to support the event along with representatives from Cheshire East Council.

Chester and District Standard:

Pride cake

During the event, chair Mike Maier welcomed attendees and cut the celebration Pride cake, which was decorated with a design co-produced by people who access CWP services.

Mike also raised the trust’s rainbow flag in honour of the workforce’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity.

Philip Makin, Equality, Diversion and Inclusion Co-ordinator for CWP, said: “We are keen to show our support for Crewe Pride in the Park, and hosting this event to bring everyone together to celebrate diversity has been a highlight of my role so far. I can’t wait for our Chester event, which takes place on 26 July, where our chief executive Sheena Cumiskey will be raising the rainbow flag!”

Mike Maier, chair of CWP, added: “It was a huge honour to attend the celebration event at Delamere Resource Centre, and to be asked to cut the cake and raise the rainbow flag! Seeing everyone come together to show their support for something so important was absolutely fantastic and what CWP is all about.”

Crewe Pride in the Park is being held in Queen’s Park, Crewe, on June 29, and promises to be a fantastic celebration of the LGBT+ community. The event is free and open to all ages.

There are to be host of performers including Bosom Buddies from Britain’s Got Talent, “Confide in Kylie” tribute act, The ABBA Twins tribute act and Proud Marys LGBT Choir (of which CWP’s Philip Makin is a member). Popular BBC Radio presenter and songwriter Claire Mooney will be hosting the event.

Kath O’Dwyer, acting chief executive of Cheshire East Council, said: “The momentum is well and truly building and there’s lots to look forward to this Saturday. I can’t wait!”

“There’s some amazing performances, entertainment and activities available on the day for individuals of all ages, so I’m not surprised that we’ve received such huge interest in our second Pride in the Park event to date.”