(Left to right) - Wigan Pride Chair Scott Williams, WWL Director of Corporate Affairs Paul Howard, WWL LGBTQIA+ Network Chair Joseph Usher and Wigan Council Lead Member - Equalities and Domestic Abuse, Cllr Laura Flynn
As a dedicated supporter of Wigan Borough’s biggest celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will be the headline sponsor for this year’s Wigan Pride event on Saturday 13th August.
Working alongside Wigan Pride and Wigan Council, WWL will have a big presence in Wigan town centre on the day, along with a month-long build-up to the event with celebrations from staff across the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wrightington Hospital and Leigh Infirmary sites, as well as the Trust’s departments and teams working out in the community.
There is a packed schedule of entertainment planned for Wigan Pride this year, and WWL will have a number of health services present on the day, including the Health Outreach and Inclusion Service who will offer healthcare support and advice, as well as on-the-day HIV and STI testing.
Specialists will also be on hand to speak to people about the importance of breast/chest screening, and a wide range of WWL staff members will be available to speak to about working or volunteering for the Trust.
Speaking about WWL’s sponsorship of Wigan Pride, Paul Howard, Director of Corporate Affairs and Executive Sponsor for LGBTQIA+ Inclusion said:
“We are incredibly proud to have this tradition of supporting Wigan Pride and to be the first ever headline sponsor.
“We believe everyone is unique, and that our collective personal experiences and the way we embrace diversity amongst our staff helps to shape and enhance the way we provide healthcare for the people of Wigan Borough.
“It is so important for us to positively influence our communities as it’s our mission to increase diversity and accessibility, eliminate inequality, and improve experiences for protected groups.
“I’ll be there with my family this year as in previous years and we are looking forward to a great day.”
Toria King, WWL’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead (Workforce), added:
“WWL’s involvement in and commitment to Wigan Pride grows year-on-year, and it’s something we are keen to see continue, as we form a deeper connection with the LGBTQIA+ community. We will be using the day itself to speak to as many people as possible about how we can improve our services for them. We know more can be done to address health inequalities for the LGBTQIA+ community, and this gives us an excellent opportunity to do so. We want our patients to feel that they can confidently access our services knowing that they will receive the utmost dignity, respect and care.”
Helping to lead WWL’s preparations ahead of the big day, Joseph Usher, the Trust’s LGBTQIA+ Network Chair, added:
“Having been honoured with the role of Chair for WWL’s LGBTQIA+ Network, I am delighted that WWL is the main headline sponsor for this year’s Wigan Pride. We are very excited to be a part of an amazing day where we as your local NHS Trust can celebrate inclusivity for all. I would like to say thank you to the network for making it possible for us to celebrate with you all. I sincerely hope that everyone’s contribution will make Wigan Pride the best it has ever been.
“My first experience at Pride was in 2001, when I had just come out as a young gay man. I will always remember how truly amazing it was, seeing the parade with all the bright colours. It gave me an overwhelming feeling of acceptance, being able to feel and say, “this is me and I am proud of myself to finally accept who I am”. I knew then that I belonged to an incredible community. Growing up and seeing Pride get bigger and better each year is remarkable.”
For more information about Wigan Pride 2022 and details on how you can attend or get involved, visit wiganpride.com