At Family Fund Group, we’re committed to building an inclusive culture which celebrates diversity – for staff, volunteers, and the families we support. Having a culture where we acknowledge and celebrate our differences means that staff feel safe and free to be themselves.
That’s why we celebrate Pride Month each year – to show our support for the LGBTQ+ community, and to connect with staff and families from this community in a welcoming, safe space.
Each year we attend our local Pride celebration – York Pride – where we spend the day speaking to families about their experiences, raising awareness of the work we do and volunteering with our staff.
Inclusion Champion Abbey Follansbee tells us why Pride is so important at Family Fund:
“It’s important to us as an organisation to visibly show up and show solidarity at community Pride events—not just to talk the talk, but to walk the walk. The people who access our services come from all walks of life, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and our presence at these events reflects our genuine commitment to supporting and celebrating them.
“Some of the most meaningful moments of the day are when families who have received a Family Fund grant approach our stall with excitement just to share their experiences. These interactions highlight the tangible impact we have as an organisation and give us greater insight to support the intersection of two often marginalised communities: disabled individuals and those in the LGBTQ+ community.
“We’re an organisation that celebrates all individuals, and attending Pride is a meaningful way to show up for the LGBTQ+ community.”