Ayrshire College and Emergency Services show support for Pride Month
Representatives from the emergency services joined forces with Ayrshire College at the Ayr Campus on Friday 18 June to show their backing for Pride Month.
The LGBTQ+ community is celebrated throughout the month of June.
Ayrshire College’s Ayr Campus was the setting for college staff and members of Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and the Scottish Ambulance Service to unite in their endorsement of Pride Month.
The Ayrshire College Student Association has recently established a LGBT+ Forum for its students. Sara Turkington, said: “I am delighted that today, Ayrshire College, Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire Service, and the Scottish Ambulance Service are together showing how important LGBT+ inclusion is, and how we will continue working together to support LGBT+ people in Ayrshire.
“I am proud to be a part of a college community that thrives on respect and diversity; a community that welcomes all and works hard to fulfil its commitment to equality and inclusion. Being joined by college colleagues Claire Bysouth, Police Liaison Officer, and Charlotte Mitchell, Student Association Advisor, is testament to our collective determination to that commitment.
“Students and staff of the College – now and in the future – must be enabled to fulfil their potential and a key way to achieve this, is through ensuring we are a safe, inclusive and diverse place to learn, work and develop.”
Superintendent Derek Frew, Ayrshire Division, said: "As a LGBT Ally for Police Scotland, I recognise the importance of visibly supporting my colleagues and individuals in our Ayrshire communities to have the confidence to be their whole selves in the workplace, school, college, home and in public.
“We should all be able to live our life free from prejudice and I am proud to stand together with colleagues and partners to show our support to the LGBT community in Ayrshire during Pride Month.”
Lynne Peacock, Area Service Manager (West Region), said: “The Scottish Ambulance Service is proud to support Pride Month and is actively involved in supporting various Pride Events and discussion throughout the year. We have our own LGBT Network – Proud@SAS – which is open to all LGBT staff and allies. SAS is also a member of the National Ambulance LGBT Network (NALGBTN). We are committed to improving diversity and inclusivity in our workforce.”
Scottish Fire Service said “we’ve been proud to celebrate Pride month and to show our support for our LGBT+ colleagues and for the communities we protect.
“During the month we have engaged in events throughout the whole of Ayrshire, which has included Ardrossan Harbour, Sorn Castle and Ayrshire College. We have worked closely in partnership with our emergency service partners as well as with our supportive local community organisations and businesses.
“We are immensely proud to fly the flag of Pride month and to celebrate and encourage diversity and equality.”
21 June 2021