Proud Stoke Spaces Pledge

Closing the gap between a place being safe and feeling safe.

By joining the ‘Proud Stoke Spaces’ initiative, you are creating a vital sanctuary for our community. You are sending a clear message: hate has no home here, and everyone has the right to feel welcome.

The ‘Proud Stoke Space’ Inclusion Pledge

Our Commitment to a Safer, More Inclusive Stoke-on-Trent

We believe Stoke-on-Trent thrives when every individual feels safe, respected, and valued. As part of the city-wide ‘One Stoke-on-Trent’ campaign to build social trust and community cohesion, and in partnership with Project 93, we commit to championing LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality.

We pledge to:

• Foster a Welcoming Environment: To strive to create and maintain a welcoming, safe, and supportive atmosphere for all LGBTQ+ staff, customers, and visitors.
• Be a Proud Space: To visibly demonstrate our commitment by displaying the ‘Proud Space’ sticker and joining the online directory of inclusive spaces across the city.
• Champion Inclusive Language: To make a conscious effort to use language that is respectful and inclusive, and to encourage our team to do the same.
• Commit to Meaningful Learning: To participate in Project 93’s free LGBTQ+ Awareness & Inclusion training to ensure our commitment is backed by genuine understanding.
• Uphold Zero Tolerance: To not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, or prejudice based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
• Embark on an Ongoing Journey: To recognise that this pledge is the first step and to be open to continued learning.

“We make this pledge as a public commitment to our employees, our customers, and the entire Stoke-on-Trent community. We understand that allyship is an ongoing journey, and we are dedicated to playing our part.”