The event welcomed over 130 attendees from members of the public to partners and projects connected to the Get Out Get Active programme. The aim was to share the work of the GOGA programmes who work to deliver activity and provision for disabled and non-disabled people from the LGBTQ+ community.
The day began with the opportunity to try out some of the activities delivered by GOGA partners such as Ice Skating, Aura Community Sports Hub and rugby from Conwy Dragons and Wrexham Rhinos IGR Teams supported by the WRU. Over 15 Exhibitors held stands promoting their work to support diversity, equality and Inclusion. We were pleased to welcome North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and rescue Service, Glyndwr University, Action for Children, Liverpool Pride (who also host a GOGA LGBTQ+ Programme) and Outside Lives, Unique Network and many more partners to showcase the work they do. We were also pleased to welcome 10 young people from Hawarden High School, who are planning to host their own Pride event and valued the support from Flintshire Integrated Youth Service and Viva LGBTQ+ youth project in supporting the young people on the day and now going forward with their event. Aura Libraries hosted a Meet and Greet with Emma Goswell (Podcaster, Author and Gaydio presenter) where she shared her book ‘Coming Out Stories’ and spoke about her various work which was most well received by our delagates.
After an action-packed morning, we were privileged to receive Hannah Blythyn MS- Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, and her update on the most recent LGBTQ+ Action plan, she shared with the room fond memories of attending Ice skating discos at Deeside Leisure Centre herself as a young person growing up in the local area. supported by presentations from trustees from Pride Cymru and Disability Sport Wales. After an energetic blast of exercise delivered by Sparky the Dragon and Jamie Lewis, Fitness and Wellbeing officer NWFR, we heard from our expert panel hosted by Kate Hutchinson, Trustee Pride Cymru. Jenny Anne Bishop OBE, Verity Smith, Mermaids, Joy Hall Glyndwr University, Jodie Ann Wheelchair Rugby. The panel took questions and together we discussed the importance of taking a collaborative approach to Inclusive practice along with our thoughts on what needed to be done to build good practice and autonomy around equality, diversity and inclusion.
The day finished on a high with Dj Alex Sweeny on the inflatable fun park and Natasha White delivering a session on musical mindful adventures. Overall, the day was fun, informative and brought a wide range of people together to look at the progress of GOGA so far and look at the legacy it can leave when it comes to a close.
We had a really positive response from all who attended, they reported to have valued the networking and sharing of good practice, learning opportunities and increased awareness of local opportunities. Our volunteers were such an integral part of the day delivering activities and hosting registration. We have seen increased connectivity, planning and development taking place in conjunction with GOGA since the day and we have had an overwhelming response to ‘What's Next...’
Pride Cymru feel the value of the relationship with DSW through GOGA, has been tremendous. We have increased awareness of the importance of profiling and championing LGBTQ+ Inclusion and feel more connected to our Network in North Wales, we have worked together on workforce development and have built a strong and stable partnership which we hope we continue.
To find out more about the GOGA x Pride Cymru partnership, contact Emma Jones
