We are proving there’s no place like home, by sponsoring two of the LGBT community’s largest events, the Hull and Newcastle Pride Festivals. The Pride festival returns to Newcastle’s Town Moor for three days from Friday 17 July, and is in Queen Victoria Square in Hull, on Saturday 18 July.  Live music and entertainment for all ages will be helping people celebrate 45 years of world Pride. Riverside is this year extending its support for Pride events across the country. 

The housing association, which improved its position in Stonewall’s 100 best employers this year, was placed at 37 in the league table compiled by the gay rights campaigning organisation. We are providing sponsorship to Hull Pride for the first time, as well as sponsoring Newcastle Pride’s silicone wristbands.  Staff from the Gateshead office will be marching with the Riverside flag (opposite) at Northern Pride’s parade on Saturday.

Steve Ward, Director of Riverside in the North, said: “Pride really raises awareness of LGBT equality for tenants and employees.  It’s great to see just how many people in our city celebrate diversity. “I am proud to work for a company that is committed equality.  I was pleased to see Riverside improving its position in Stonewall’s 100 best employers list, becoming third most gay-friendly housing association in the country.  We are equally delighted to be involved in this year’s Pride events in Hull and Newcastle and encourage our tenants and residents to go along to what I’m sure will be wonderful events.” Riverside’s Spectrum group, the LGBT staff group, has recently doubled its membership and will be represented at Pride events across the country, in a bid to fly the flag for LGBT equality.