On 21 September, Lisieux Trust held a Pride Tea party at its head office, which proved to be a roaring success amongst attendees.

Lisieux Trust loves to host different social events, particularly after many months of not being able to do so.

Going forward, Lisieux Trust is committed to holding a social event each month; either at the Lisieux Trust Head Office or a specialist venue to allow all of our residents, tenants and employees to experience a sense of community.

Other recent events include a disco and a Halloween themed karaoke ‘Fright Night’.

So, to coincide with Birmingham Pride which took place over the weekend of 25 and 26 September, CEO Jess Alsop-Greenacre felt it appropriate for us to host our very own pride event.

After all, Lisieux Trust is all about being welcoming and celebrating diversity.

Head Office was suitably decorated with rainbow flags everywhere.

Our people are at the heart of the Trust and we are always willing to listen to ideas from all quarters on how to improve the service provided.

So, it was great to have a couple of our residents and tenants involved in the creation of the pride event.

The party was tenant HH’s idea, and Francis House resident EB helped to design the flyer for the event which helped greatly in attracting people.

Jess Alsop-Greenacre said: “It was an idea we’ve had for a while, and now just felt like the right time for it. We have never celebrated Pride before as an organization, and now it will be an annual event.

“We want to hold inclusive events here at the Trust as it is what we are all about. And, it is a good excuse for a party, isn’t it?”

Well, party our people did.

Everyone had a good time, eating plenty of rainbow cake, posing for photos in the photobooth, and fashioning lots of temporary tattoos.

HH, who was the brainchild behind the party, said, “I really liked the idea. Everyone should be proud of who they are.

“I really liked the photobooth- it meant I could show off my tattoos.”

Unfortunately, for covid reasons, Jess felt it wasn’t right to go for one of the more typical aspects of celebrating pride; namely face painting.

However, the alternative of the tattoos went down an absolute treat.

The tattoos were pride themed with hearts and rainbows a plenty.

One of the Trust’s support workers, Donna Edwards, was integral in ensuring all who wanted tattoos managed to get them on.

Reflecting on the event, Jess said: “The main message was for everyone to be themselves – whoever they are – and be comfortable at work or whether they’re being supported by us.

“Overall, difference and diversity make us stronger.”