Ashington Pride Picnic, held on Saturday, September 7th 2024, at Hirst Park, was a huge success, uniting the community in a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. Building on the success of last year’s event, the Ashington Town Council worked alongside Pride Action North and Northumberland Communities Together to offer a day of family-friendly activities and entertainment.

A spokesperson for Pride Action North said, “Pride is crucial vehicle to bring LGBTQIA+ people together to celebrate community and have the opportunity to meet, learn and take part in activities that matter to them. We’re proud to have partnered with Ashington Town Council to bring pride alive for Ashington and look forward to making sure all LGBTQIA+ people have the support they need to thrive”

The event kicked off with an official opening by Ashington Civic Head Cllr Caroline Ball, who welcomed the first performers from Gladwin’s Ballet and Stage School, setting the stage for an energetic and exciting day.

Throughout the event, attendees were treated to a variety of performances. Highlights included routines from Gladwin’s Ballet and Stage Schools, performances from MX drag Winner 2025 Bella B Campbell, Velvet Snatch, Gloria Love, and a soulful performances by The Future is Queer singer Michael T Olgivlie. BREAK.NE’s brought along interactive breakdancing workshops, a big hit with children and young people, adding a fresh and dynamic element to the day. Thanks to Graeme from Ashington Panto Group for providing expert PA services,

In addition to the entertainment, a wide variety of of organisations offered information and creative activities. Groups like Mortal Fools, Curious Arts, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Pride Action North, YMCA Northumberland, Full Circle Food Project (who also provided delicious free cupcakes), Unison, GMB, Escape Family Support, Northumberland Domestic Advice Service, Northumberland Community Safety Team, Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, and Northumberland Community Bank were all in attendance, enriching the event with their resources and activities enjoyed by local families.

Koast Radio kept the atmosphere alive with live broadcasts throughout the day. Families enjoyed complimentary refreshments such as tea, coffee, cupcakes, and candy floss, while a variety of stalls offered items for browsing, with a standout display of model trucks capturing many visitors’ attention.

The event’s success was due to the hard work of many, including Ashington Town Council’s Mark and Ryan, Pride Action North’s Angela and August along with Northumberland County Council staff, who managed setup and clean-up. Photographers Haydn and Roy captured the day’s highlights, preserving LGBTQIA+ culture and impact.

One attendee shared, “Really grateful to the organisers of this fantastic and important event. It’s been full of joy, colour, and smiles, just like the LGBT community! Really thoughtfully organised, it was great to see so many community organisations involved, showing how welcoming and inclusive our town is. Absolutely loved today—thank you to everyone involved! Can’t wait for next year!”

The Ashington Pride Picnic was more than just a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community; it demonstrated the town’s dedication to inclusivity and diversity and Pride Action North’s commitment to partnership working and resource sharing. As the event grows each year, it continues to exemplify Ashington’s welcoming spirit and the strength of community collaboration.

Pride Action North was proud to be part of this event, thanks to funding received from the Northumberland Inclusive Economy Community Partnership (NIECP), where Northumberland County Council is the Lead Accountable Body. Our project, Roaming Roots, is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the North East Combined Authority as the Lead Authority.

This weekend, Newcastle will be full of colour, joy, and unity as Pride in the City, delivered by Northern Pride, takes over with the powerful theme “Unapologetically Visible.” This is more than just a festival; it is a testament to the resilience the LGBTQIA+ community in the North East and beyond.

Pride in the City offers a space where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can feel seen, heard, and celebrated. It’s a vibrant affirmation of the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, showcasing that Newcastle is a place where everyone can be unapologetically visible.

Pride events serve as powerful platforms for LGBTQIA+ people. They raise awareness about the ongoing struggles faced by our community, including discrimination, inequality, and violence. By marching through Newcastle and participating in various activities, you advocate for a world where everyone is treated with respect and dignity, something which many in our community and in particular Trans and Non-Binary people have not had.

Darren Irvine-Duffy, Chair at Pride Action North, took us back to February 2017 when an article appeared in the Northumberland Gazette, titled Facebook group set up for county’s LGBT community’ which was a the cornerstone in the development to Northumberland Pride now Pride Action North.

Darren highlighted the influential role of Lorna Stewart-Hook, stating, “Lorna’s words and activism were the cornerstone of bringing Pride to Northumberland. While there were a few LGBT groups in Northumberland at the time, they were scarce. Lorna recognised the crucial need for a safe space where LGBT people could have meaningful conversations.”

This vision led Lorna to attend Newcastle Pride in July 2017, representing her work at HMP Northumberland and expressing her aspiration for Northumberland to have its own pride event. Northumberland Pride was born on that very day, born out of participation in the Newcastle Pride parade in 2017.

Pride in the City fosters a sense of community and belonging. It brings together individuals from all walks of life to support one another, share their stories, and build connections. The solidarity pride provides is crucial in combating feelings of isolation and marginalisation that many LGBTQIA+ people experience and that Pride Action North staff and volunteers support everyday.

Pride is also a time to reflect on the history of the LGBTQIA+ rights movement and honour those who have fought tirelessly for equality. It celebrates the progress made while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. This historical context is essential in understanding the significance of Pride events today and whilst pride means something different to everyone, it’s roots are in protest.

Pride Action North are proud to see Pride in the City and charity Northern Pride delivering this weekend’s events across Newcastle. As a fellow LGBTQIA+ non-profit in the heart of the city, we understand the importance of these events and the impact they have on our community.

This weekend also features other exciting Pride events in Newcastle. At One Strawberry Lane, join the Community Jam led by the LGBT+ Northern Social Group and Be Trans Support and Community. There’s also Our Pride Festival led by Sister Shack which offers another fantastic opportunity to celebrate and connect.

Beyond the festival itself, Pride Action North engages in year-round activities that support LGBTQIA+ people across Northumberland and Tyne and Wear. We work tirelessly to support LGBTQIA+ people in the region, providing resources, education, events and support services. Our ongoing work helps create a safer and more accepting environment for all. If you live, work or socialise in Northumberland and Tyne and Wear and need support, you can complete a simple referral form at our website and our staff will be in touch.

Darren emphasised, “The theme of this year’s Newcastle Pride is Unapologetically Visible. To my past and present colleagues at Pride Action North, and to those who have tirelessly worked to bring activism, advocacy, and support services to our community, we are unapologetically visible.”

This weekend, as Newcastle comes alive with the spirit of Pride, be unapologetically visible because #TogetherWeAreStronger.

Pride Action North are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a £5,000 grant from the The Newcastle Building Society Community Fund at the Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear and Northumberland to enhance our support services for the LGBTQIA+ community in Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.

This generous grant will enable Pride Action North to provide essential financial support and advocacy to our service users, addressing pressing issues such as benefits entitlements, budgeting, debt management, and food and heat poverty. Our team of dedicated link workers will receive specialised training to deliver this much-needed support directly, empowering LGBTQIA+ people to navigate financial challenges more effectively.

Angela Brudenell, Charity Manager of Pride Action North, expressed her gratitude and excitement about the new initiative:

“We are incredibly grateful to the Community Foundation for their generous support. This grant will make a significant difference in the lives of many LGBTQIA+ people who are facing financial hardship. By providing this additional support and upskilling of our workers, we can ensure that our service users receive the help they need from trusted professionals who understand their unique circumstances. This funding will allow us to create a more holistic support system, helping our community members not only survive but thrive.”

The financial project will run as a pilot for six months, during which Pride Action North aims to provide additional hours in support. Our goal is to improve the financial well-being of our communities, offering a lifeline to those struggling with financial instability.

Pride Action North has a longstanding commitment to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, offering a wide range of services including mental health and wellbeing interventions, support for victims of domestic and sexual violence, and community engagement programmes. This new funding is a crucial addition to our comprehensive support system, ensuring that our community’s needs are met holistically.

For more information about Pride Action North and our services, please visit www.prideactionnorth.org.uk.

The Newcastle Building Society Community Fund, at the Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, provides grants to local charities across the North East, Cumbria, and North Yorkshire. You can find out more at https://www.newcastle.co.uk/powering-communities/community-grants.

The Community Foundation grows giving and philanthropy, enabling people and businesses to support vital causes across North East England. They combine their knowledge and reach with donors’ generosity to back local charities and community organisations making a lasting difference. Find out more about their work at https://www.communityfoundation.org.uk.

Pride Action North are thrilled to announce that our project, “Supporting Resilient Services for LGBTQIA+ People in Newcastle,” has secured funding from the National Lottery Awards for All England. This support will enhance our services, providing essential specialist support to LGBTQIA+ young people 11-25 in Newcastle and surrounding areas.

Our project will recruit a new LGBTQIA+ Link Worker to reduce waiting times, ensuring timely access to support. We focus on personalised, holistic support that fosters belonging, acceptance, and empowerment. many young people who access our services face multiple challenges, especially those with intersectional identities such as neurodiversity, families on a low income and are facing and mental health and wellbeing issues.

Our holistic approach includes facilitating access to community resources, mental health services, and social support networks. This reduces feelings of isolation and improves mental well-being, empowering young people to face their challenges confidently. Our project builds on other successful programmes, addressing gaps left by reduced support from other organisations and maintaining collaborating with educators, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders at the forefront of our approach in order to create a robust support network around LGBTQIA+ young people in our region.

Darren Irvine-Duffy, Chair of Pride Action North, expressed his gratitude: “We are incredibly thankful to National Lottery players for making this funding possible. Their support is vital in helping us provide the necessary resources and support to LGBTQIA+ young people in our community. This funding marks another significant milestone in Pride Action North’s journey and commitment to deliver rural and urban equity for LGBTQIA+ people across the North.”

For more information about our project and how you can get involved in our work, please visit our website at www.prideactionnorth.org.uk or contact us at support@prideactionnorth.org.uk.

Ashington Town Council and Pride Action North have joined forces to bring a vibrant and inclusive Ashington Pride Picnic to our local communities this summer. Building on the success of last year’s event, this collaboration aims to create an even more memorable experience for LGBTQIA+ people and their families.

Last year’s Pride Picnic was a great success, was diverse and fostered a sense of unity and celebration. Inspired by this, Ashington Town Council and Pride Action North are pooling their resources and expertise to ensure the 2024 picnic has an even greater impact.

The Pride Picnic will take place on September 7, 2024, at Hirst Park, from 10 AM to 2 PM. This event promises to be a day filled with activities for all the family, offering a unique opportunity for LGBTQIA+ people and their families to come together in a safe and welcoming environment.

Angela Brudenell, Pride Action North’s Charity Manager said “After an incredibly positive pride picnic last year we felt it was vital to work with Ashington Town Council to bring our community an event that celebrates local LGBTQIA+ people in the heart of the town.”

Pride Action North are proud to contribute to this event as a result of funding received from the Northumberland Inclusive Economy Community Partnership (NIECP), where Northumberland County Council is the Lead Accountable Body for the funding. Our project, Roaming Roots, is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the North East Combined Authority as the Lead Authority.

Sharon Parmley, Ashington Town Council’s Communication and Engagement Officer said “”We’re thrilled to partner with Pride Action North for the 2024 Ashington Pride Picnic. This event is a testament to our commitment to diversity and inclusion in our community. Building on last year’s success, we’re creating an even more vibrant and welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ people and their families to celebrate. We invite everyone to join us on September 7th at Hirst Park for a day of unity, fun, and pride.”

Organisers are also calling for volunteers and participants to get involved in making this event a success. Those interested in contributing such as hosting a stall or activity can reach out to Pride Action North at support@prideactionnorth.org.uk or Ashington Town Council at sharon.parmley@ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk.

Mark your calendars and join the celebration at the Ashington Pride Picnic on 7^th September 2024.

Pride Action North made a vibrant and engaging contribution to this year’s Gallagher Park Live, organised by East Bedlington Parish Council. The event took place on Saturday, July 13th, 2024, from 11 AM to 9 PM in Gallagher Park, and was a day full of community spirit. Despite the rain, the community came out in full force to celebrate.

Pride Action North was a key contributor to the day, adding a lively and inclusive dimension to the day. Our Youth Zone was a highlight, offering a range of activities designed to entertain, engage, and inspire young people. Our team provided interactive spaces with dedicated staff ensuring a safe and fun environment for everyone. Activities included badge making, a chill-out zone, friendship band making, a disco workshop, and a variety of games and inflatables.

The day saw our team gaining valuable feedback about what young people want to see locally, understanding their desires for the upcoming Pride Picnic in Ashington, and taking part in our “Echoes of…” project. This project invites attendees to reflect on the unique aspects of growing up in South East Northumberland and how being part of this community shapes identity and experiences. Insights gathered will contribute to a broader project series, capturing the essence of life in South East Northumberland.

Pride Action North’s mini consultation aimed to understand what young people want from youth work in South East Northumberland, ensuring that future projects and events are aligned with their needs and aspirations. We will continue to gather input on what attendees would like to see in partnership with local stakeholders, including Town and Parish Councils.

Pride Action North was proud to contribute to this event as a result of funding received from the Northumberland Inclusive Economy Community Partnership (NIECP), where Northumberland County Council is the Lead Accountable Body for the funding. Our project, Roaming Roots, is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the North East Combined Authority as the Lead Authority.

Find out more about what is going on in East Bedlington at http://www.eastbedlingtonpc.org.uk.

Pride Action North, a leading LGBTQIA+ non-profit in Northumberland, made contributions to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and Mediterranean Region (CPA BIMR) Election Assessment Mission for the 2024 UK General Election. The mission’s focused on several constituencies across the UK, including the North Northumberland constituency, following boundary review changes. Pride Action North representatives provided insights into the barriers faced by LGBTQIA+ people in exercising their democratic rights to voting during elections.

Pride Action North are a key stakeholder in our region and raised key issues such as accessibility challenges, a lack of awareness about voting options, barriers to voting and the restrictions voter ID place on members of our communities. Stakeholder engagement is crucial for shaping the recommendations of the CPA BIMR mission, ensuring future elections are inclusive and accessible which particularly affect those that disproportionately affect minority groups.

About CPA UK
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK (CPA UK) is a registered charity promoting parliamentary democracy throughout the Commonwealth. Acting as the secretariat for CPA BIMR, it organises training programmes, shares best practices, and conducts election observation missions to enhance democratic processes. For more details on their work and the 2024 election assessment mission, visit the CPA UK’s official website. You can read the mission’s initial findings at uk-eam-preliminary-statement-final.pdf (uk-cpa.org).

[L-R Angela Brudenell- Charity Manager, Darren Irvine-Duffy- Board Member, Hilary Jeune – States of Jersey Independent Observer, Stephen Corpe- Board Member]

Pride Action North made a vibrant and engaging contribution to this year’s Ashington Community Fair Day, organised by Ashington Town Council. The highly successful event took place on Sunday, July 7th, 2024, from 11 AM to 4 PM in Peoples Park, and was a day full of family-friendly fun and community spirit.

Pride Action North was a key contributor to the day, adding a lively and inclusive dimension to the day. Our Youth Zone was a highlight, offering a range of activities designed to entertain, engage, and inspire young people.

Our team provided interactive spaces with dedicated staff ensuring a safe and fun environment for everyone including a Disco Dome and Giant Inflatable Games. Crafty hands made mini zine’s and colourful badges providing a creative outlet for participants promoting hands-on learning.

The day saw our team gaining lots of feedback about what young people want to see locally, understanding what they’d like from the 2nd Pride Picnic in Ashington and kicking off our our ‘Echo’s of…’ project. This project invites attendees to reflect on the unique aspects of growing up in South East Northumberland and how being part of this community shapes identity and experiences. Insights gathered will contribute to a broader project series, capturing the essence of life in South East Northumberland.

Pride Action North’s mini consultation will understand what young people want from youth work in South East Northumberland, ensuring that future projects and events are aligned with their needs and aspirations. We will continue to gather input on what attendees would like to see in partnership with local stakeholders including Town and Parish Councils.

Our team will be at Gallagher Park Live this weekend on 13th July 2024, come along and celebrate our local community’s diversity, creativity, and energy, making South East Northumberland events an unforgettable experience for all.

Pride Action North were proud to contribute to this event as a result of funding received from the Northumberland Inclusive Economy Community Partnership (NIECP) where Northumberland County Council is the Lead Accountable Body for the funding. Our project, Roaming Roots is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the North East Combined Authority as the Lead Authority.

Find out more about what is going on in Ashington at Ashington Town Council‘s website.

Ashington Town Council has awarded Pride Action North a £2,000 grant to establish a vital weekly support group for the LGBTQIA+ community in Ashington, Northumberland. Our project addresses the significant mental health and well-being challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ people locally.

Pride Action North, the only LGBTQIA+-focused charity in the area, aims to provide a safe, welcoming space for individuals to feel empowered and accepted. The weekly support group will serve as a cornerstone for fostering community and belonging.

This grant is part of Ashington Town Council’s annual funding initiative, which allocated £66,000 this year to support a range of leading local projects. Council Leader Cllr John Tully emphasised the importance of helping organisations that make Ashington a thriving community.

Residents can follow the Council’s social media for updates on the impact of these grants. For more information, visit Ashington Town Council.

Pride Action North has been awarded £55,000 from the Northumberland Inclusive Economy Community Partnership (NIECP) where Northumberland County Council is the Lead Accountable Body for the funding. This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the North East Combined Authority as the Lead Authority.

The fund is a substantial fund dedicated to supporting the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in South East Northumberland which is part of a broader £1.5 million initiative aimed at fostering inclusive economic growth and community well-being in South East Northumberland.

The revenue grant awarded will be used to launch Roaming Roots, an innovative community project designed to engage young people across various community settings to address social and economic disparities. The project is strategically targeted towards diverse wards, particularly those with limited provisions and inadequate public transport.

Roaming Roots serves as an adaptable catalyst for youth work, primarily operating on a detached basis to ensure flexibility and responsiveness to community needs. At the heart of this project is a strong emphasis on collaboration with local stakeholders, aiming to tackle critical issues such as anti-social behaviour, mental health challenges, well-being concerns, and social isolation.

Darren Irvine-Duffy, Chair of Pride Action North said, “We’re proud to be facilitating and leading such a dynamic and inclusive project for young people in South East Northumberland wards. In areas that lack permanent provision, this project offers a dynamic solution to some of the most pressing social and economic challenges in our region”

One of the key components of Roaming Roots is our commitment to sustainability. The project will use data gathering techniques to understand and address the needs of beneficiaries and stakeholders. This data-driven approach will help consolidate outreach efforts into four main hubs, minimising environmental impact and contributing to broader climate sustainability goals.

The project is also focused on enhancing community resilience and pride through volunteering and upskilling opportunities. By empowering local youth and community members, Roaming Roots aims to create lasting positive impacts on overall well-being, fostering a sense of community cohesion and support.

Angela Brudenell, Charity Manager at Pride Action North, added, “This funding allows us to make a significant impact in the communities we serve. By focusing on collaboration and sustainability, Roaming Roots will not only address immediate needs but also contribute to long-term positive change.”

To find out more about Pride Action’s North  project email support@prideactionnorth.org.uk.

Find out more about the funding at  https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Economy-Regeneration/Programmes/Pathways-to-Work/Northumberland-Inclusive-Economy-Community-Partner.aspx or contact Northumberland County Council’s VCS Employability and Communities Lead at adam.gray@northumberland.gov.uk