Popular LGBTQ+ schools programme, Pride Groups, run by LGBTQ+ youth charity Just Like Us, is being made free to all UK secondary schools, thanks to National Lottery funding.
The Pride Groups programme has so far helped 410 secondary schools to set up/run a LGBTQ+ and allies club, making school environments safer for LGBTQ+ pupils who are ordinarily twice as likely to be bullied.
The programme has, according to Just Like Us, already had a huge positive impact in schools, with no less than 100% of participating teachers reporting that their group has ‘improved the wellbeing of pupils’. Schools can benefit from online teacher training, training for student leaders, resources, dedicated support, access to national awards, competitions and more.
One secondary pupil said: “Honestly just going to the Pride Group is the light up of my day.”
Another said: “I used to have trouble with my identity and I thought I was alone in my school, but when the Pride Group started, I was shocked to see so many people.”
Run by Just Like Us, the programme is now free thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.
Aaron Bevan, who works at St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College in London and runs a Pride Group with support from Just Like Us’ programme, said: “Making the Pride Groups programme free now means that I can support my students so much better, as our college just doesn’t have the budget to cover these extra resources, despite the students I work with requiring them so urgently. It is such a relief to have access to them now.”
Laura Mackay, CEO of Just Like Us,added: “We’re thrilled to announce our Pride Groups programme is now free, making LGBTQ+ inclusion more accessible than ever to secondary schools across the UK.
“We hear fantastic feedback from school staff about the quality of training and resources we provide to programme participants, and we can’t wait to support more schools in making LGBTQ+ young people feel safer and happier. Right now, 42% of LGBTQ+ young people are being bullied and 91% have heard horrible slurs at school in the past year – by joining Pride Groups, we can help you transform your school into an inclusive environment for all.”