Residents and colleagues take Pride in who they are

Residents and colleagues came together at our first LGBTQ+ affirmative extra care scheme, New Larchwood in Brighton on 5 August to celebrate Pride. 

The event took place ahead of Brighton and Hove Pride. Attendees participated in fun activities that included an LGBTQ+ themed quiz and drag bingo.

Among the attendees were Sarah Jones, our new Chief Executive, Bob Green, former Chief Executive of Stonewall Housing, and Lauren Gill, Chair of our LGBTQ+ colleague network.

Lauren who works as an Internal Communications Assistant here at Anchor, actively encourages other LGBTQ+ people to consider careers in the housing and social care sector.

They said:

It’s the 50th anniversary of the first UK Pride and it’s important that we celebrate the great strides that have been made during that time whilst also remembering that Pride started as a protest and there’s still work to be done. Nobody should have to hide their sexuality or gender identity. Anchor strives to provide an environment where all residents and colleagues can openly be themselves.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that the needs of LGBTQ+ people living and working in their care homes and retirement communities are understood and met. 

We are the first older people’s specialist to have achieved ‘Pledge Plus’ status under the HouseProud Pledge scheme and was awarded ‘Silver Status’ in the 2021 Inclusive Employers Standard, demonstrating commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion support.

We also have a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Advisory Group (LGBT+) which aims to tackle concerns older LGBT+ older people may have about moving into sheltered housing or a care home.

Along with providing an inclusive environment to residents, we are also dedicated to ensuring that we have a work culture where diversity is celebrated, and colleagues have the freedom to express who they are. You can find out more about our culture and values here.