Two Middlesbrough equality and diversity champions were honoured at a prestigious regional awards event.
Community coordinators, Rama Saidykhan and Joe Carson, from Middlesbrough Council ’s Stronger Communities team, were recognised at the LGBT Alliance Awards.
The pair were named among finalists in the Local Authority Commitment to LGBT Communities category for their LGBT Home Free event in September 2019.
“We are very thankful to Hart Gables for shortlisting the SCM team for this great award.
“It was definitely a team effort and we would like to thank the SCM team – Shahda, Priya and Leah.
“Special thanks also go to Marion Walker and the entire service for their support – we would not have been able to do it without them,” Rama and Joe said.
Their Stronger Communities Middlesbrough event was part of the controlling migration fund programme.
The awards were created in 2020 by charity Hart Gables to celebrate commitments and achievements of local services and individuals which bring communities together.
Hart Gables is a support service across the Tees Valley for those who identify as LGBT+ and they work so that people are given equal opportunities.
The charity’s LGBT action development worker, Andy Towers said: “Validating an individual’s sexuality or gender with acceptance and kindness is key to spreading happiness and understanding.
“Stronger Communities has made reality projects such as LGBT Home Free, which raised awareness about the issues faced by local LGBT+ people seeking asylum, promoted community cohesion, and provided a supportive space in which local LGBT+ people seeking asylum can talk about their experiences and have their voices heard.”
The Stronger Communities team was shortlisted alongside Stockton Council, with Hartlepool Council Youth Service named the overall winner.
The LGBT Home Free project raised awareness of issues faced by local LGBT+ asylum seekers and allowed them to have their voices heard.
The team listened and was able to support Hart Gables to deliver a launch event and workshop to ensure the project would be sustainable and long lasting.
Jolande Mace, the council’s strategic cohesion and migration manager, said: “My team feels honoured to have been shortlisted for this important category.
“We promote community cohesion and work tirelessly at making Middlesbrough a place where people feel welcomed, safe, and free to be who they are.
“We look forward to further supporting this important agenda and to continue to promote a culture of awareness, understanding, and respect across our town.
“Warm congratulations to the Youth Service at Hartlepool Borough Council for winning the award.”
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