Three awards for LGBT+ support

In the past six months the Blackpool Sixth community has achieved three major accolades recognising the college’s outstanding support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students and staff.

In July 2021 the college was awarded the Lancashire LGBT Quality Mark for demonstrating commitment to improving services for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Lancashire in all aspects of its work. A team of staff worked towards the award, completing the audit, and providing evidence.

In November 2021 the college won a runner-up award in the national Think Student Awards for the ‘best campaign supporting diversity’. This award came as a result of an awareness-raising ‘Show Your Pride’ social media campaign and web resource.

Finally at the very end of 2021, the college’s LGBT+ group came runner-up in the national ‘Just Like Us’ 2021 Role Model Awards in the ‘outstanding pride group’ category. The ‘Just Like Us’ awards, supported by J.P. Morgan, celebrate excellence in LGBT+ inclusion in primary schools, secondary schools and Colleges across the UK.

The judges for the ‘Just Like Us’ award said, “Thank you so much for your amazing entry – we were delighted to read about all the amazing ways you have worked hard to make your school a happier, safer and more welcoming place for LGBT+ young people. We loved hearing how your Pride Group brings together so many young people as well as staff every fortnight, creating a place where pupils can be themselves without fear.”

Blackpool Sixth staff member Julie Halliwell, who coordinates the LGBT+ group said, “I am very proud of everything the LGBT+ Group has achieved over the last 7 years, from supporting our students to raising awareness in college and the community. I am delighted that this work has been recognised with the awards gained in 2021.”