We’ve achieved Pledge Pioneer status!
Our work to strengthen inclusion for LGBTQ+ residents has earned Eastlight an important new accreditation.
Back in June, we shared that Eastlight had signed up to the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge at ‘Pledge Promise’ level (learn more here). Today, we’re delighted to share the next chapter.
Eastlight has officially been awarded ‘Pledge Pioneer’ status through the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge – an initiative created by HouseProud and delivered in partnership with Stonewall Housing. Pledge Pioneer is the first level of accreditation, and we’ll hold our status until 2028.
This means we’ve demonstrated practical action on three important commitments: involving LGBTQ+ residents in decision making, increasing LGBTQ+ visibility and providing relevant training for our teams.
It’s fantastic recognition of the progress already being made across Eastlight, and gives us a strong foundation to build on.
Turning our promise into action
Since formally signing up to the Pledge earlier this year, EastPride – our LGBTQIA+ staff and resident network – has led the way, with support from people across Eastlight.
Through conversations with residents and our Pride events across Essex, EastPride has created opportunities to hear from LGBTQ+ residents, increase visibility and help shape our approach to inclusion. We’ve also worked with other housing providers to reach more people and share what we’re learning.
Our training and awareness work is helping our teams better understand LGBTQ+ experiences and provide more inclusive services. This has included working with our contractors on topics such as pronouns and equality, diversity and inclusion.
The LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge assessment panel praised the amount of activity already underway at Eastlight when we signed up, as well as our ambition to develop this work further.
Building on our progress
Achieving Pioneer status is something to celebrate, but it isn’t a finishing line.
We’ll keep strengthening LGBTQ+ resident voices and building on our work around training, visibility and partnerships, helping us create homes and communities where LGBTQ+ residents feel seen, supported and included.
Our summer of Pride: it’s a wrap!
After a successful series of Pride events over the summer, we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make them happen and all those who came along and took part. Your support, enthusiasm and involvement made this year’s celebrations so special.
To hear from residents and colleagues about why this work matters, watch our video below:
What does Pride mean to you?
Click on the video below to hear about what Pride means to residents and and why Pride events matter. If you are unable to view this video, please click the 'shield' icon on the bottom, left-hand-side of this page and allow ‘Targeting cookies':
Get involved with EastPride
EastPride welcomes LGBTQIA+ residents and allies who would like to get involved, help champion inclusion or find out more about our work.
If you’d like to join EastPride, find out more or let us know how we can better support you, please get in touch by email here.
