People’s Pride Southampton (PPS), a charity which provides inclusive, accessible events and support services for the LGBTQ+ community, their family members and allies, has announced that Dr Sophie Cook (FRSA) has become the charity’s first patron, reflecting the values shared by PPS and Dr Cook.
Those values include championing the mental health of LGBTQ+ people and offering accessible and inclusive events for them and their allies. During a time of lockdown and isolation, PPS has been inundated with LGBTQ+ people needing support and assistance. PPS has also had to adapt to different ways of working such as WhatsApp and online video calls.
PPS, which relies on public support to keep its support services and events free to all, hopes the support of Dr Cook will help it can spread its message far and wide.
Dr Cook says: “With the ever increasing pressure on the mental health, wellbeing and rights of the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender people the need for Pride has never been greater.
“While there are a growing number of Pride organisations and events around the country I have been impressed with the noncommercial, grassroots ethics of PPS from the very beginning.
“I was excited to be invited by them to speak at the inaugural event in 2020, but due to the global situation that has been pushed back to 2022 and I now look forward to seeing everyone there, this time carrying the honour of being patron.”
Levi Wellman, chairwoman of PPS, added: “As chairwoman, I welcome Dr Cook wholeheartedly. It is very motivating for myself, and the charity as a whole, to receive a patron with an ethos as well aligned as ours.”
For more info on PPS, click here.
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