Teachers will now be able to access the resources they need to join the Pride Groups programme
BY YASMIN VINCE, IMAGES BY JUST LIKE US
Pride Groups, a popular LGBTQIA schools programme, is now free to all secondary schools in the UK.
The programme is run by the charity Just Like Us and provides support to help schools make their environments safer for LGBTQIA students. This is done via online teacher training, access to resources and encouragement through national awards and competitions.
School staff can now join the Pride Groups programme for free by heading to the Just Like Us website. By signing up, teachers will receive ready-to-go resources such as posters and icebreakers, be able to connect with other staff taking part in the programme and have access to termly online training for student leaders, as well as staff.
To date, the programme has helped 410 secondary schools run a Pride Group, a lunchtime or after-school LGBTQIA and allies club. According to Just Like Us, 100 per cent of participating school staff reported an “improved wellbeing to pupils”.
Laura Mackay, the CEO of Just Like Us, said: “We hear fantastic feedback from school staff about the quality of training and resources we provide to programme participants.”
She added that 42 per cent of LGBTQIA young people are being bullied, but this number can change if more schools join the programme. “By joining Pride Groups, we can help you transform your school into an inclusive environment.”
Students have echoed this. One told the charity that the Pride Groups were the “light up of [their] day” and another said it made them feel less alone.
Due to The National Lottery Community Fund, the programme is now free. For some teachers, such as Aaron Bevan, this is much needed. The London-based teacher said it would help him better support his students as his college did not have the budget to keep covering these resources. “It is such a relief to have access to them now.”
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