TWO tireless champions of equality and diversity in Middlesbrough have been honoured at a prestigious regional awards event.
Community Co-ordinators Rama Saidykhan and Joe Carson from Middlesbrough Council's Stronger Communities team were recognised in this year's LGBT Alliance Awards.
The awards - established last year by Hart Gables - are a celebration of the achievements and commitments of individuals and local services and to bring communities together.
Joe and Rama were named among the finalists in the Local Authority Commitment to LGBT Communities category for their Stronger Communities Middlesbrough - LGBT Home Free event in September 2019 as part of the Government-funded controlling migration fund programme.
The Stronger Communities Team was shortlisted alongside Stockton Borough Council and overall winner Hartlepool Borough Council Youth Service.
The team was recognised for strengthening LGBT+ people's place in the community, particularly through the LGBT Home Free project, which raised awareness of the issues faced by local LGBT+ asylum seekers.
This initiative brought a human element to the table, enabling people to have their voice heard. The team listened to and learned from this experience and supported Hart Gables to deliver workshops and a launch event, thereby ensuring the impact of the project is long lasting and sustainable.
Rama and Joe said: "We are very thankful to Hart Gables for shortlisting the SCM team for this great award.
"It was definitely a team effort and we would like to thank the SCM team - Shahda, Priya and Leah.
"Special thanks also go to Marion Walker and the entire service for their support - we would not have been able to do it without them."
Middlesbrough Council Strategic Cohesion and Migration Manager Jolande Mace said: "My team feels honoured to have been shortlisted for this important category.
"We promote community cohesion and work tirelessly at making Middlesbrough a place where people feel welcomed, safe, and free to be who they are.
"We look forward to further supporting this important agenda and to continue to promote a culture of awareness, understanding, and respect across our town.
"Warm congratulations to the Youth Service at Hartlepool Borough Council for winning the award."
Hart Gables LGBT Action Development Worker Andy Towers said: "Hart Gables are delighted to present Stronger Communities Middlesbrough with this recognition of their place as a LGBT Alliance Awards Finalist.
"Validating an individual's sexuality or gender with acceptance and kindness is key to spreading happiness and understanding.
"Stronger Communities has made reality projects such as LGBT Home Free, which raised awareness about the issues faced by local LGBT+ people seeking asylum, promoted community cohesion, and provided a supportive space in which local LGBT+ people seeking asylum can talk about their experiences and have their voices heard."
Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: "Fantastic recognition for a brilliant project, and amazing work by Joe and Rama who are a credit to the Council and the wider community.
"This sort of work is so important in helping to maintain and develop the welcoming and integrated communities that are part of Middlesbrough's DNA.
"Thanks to Hart Gables for the recognition, and here's to lots more great work in future."
For advice for clinically extremely vulnerable residents call Middlesbrough Council's support line on 01642 729777
The latest advice from Government and Public Health England can be found at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Community Co-ordinators Rama Saidykhan and Joe Carson from Middlesbrough Council's Stronger Communities team were recognised in this year's LGBT Alliance Awards.
The awards - established last year by Hart Gables - are a celebration of the achievements and commitments of individuals and local services and to bring communities together.
Joe and Rama were named among the finalists in the Local Authority Commitment to LGBT Communities category for their Stronger Communities Middlesbrough - LGBT Home Free event in September 2019 as part of the Government-funded controlling migration fund programme.
The Stronger Communities Team was shortlisted alongside Stockton Borough Council and overall winner Hartlepool Borough Council Youth Service.
The team was recognised for strengthening LGBT+ people's place in the community, particularly through the LGBT Home Free project, which raised awareness of the issues faced by local LGBT+ asylum seekers.
This initiative brought a human element to the table, enabling people to have their voice heard. The team listened to and learned from this experience and supported Hart Gables to deliver workshops and a launch event, thereby ensuring the impact of the project is long lasting and sustainable.
Rama and Joe said: "We are very thankful to Hart Gables for shortlisting the SCM team for this great award.
"It was definitely a team effort and we would like to thank the SCM team - Shahda, Priya and Leah.
"Special thanks also go to Marion Walker and the entire service for their support - we would not have been able to do it without them."
Middlesbrough Council Strategic Cohesion and Migration Manager Jolande Mace said: "My team feels honoured to have been shortlisted for this important category.
"We promote community cohesion and work tirelessly at making Middlesbrough a place where people feel welcomed, safe, and free to be who they are.
"We look forward to further supporting this important agenda and to continue to promote a culture of awareness, understanding, and respect across our town.
"Warm congratulations to the Youth Service at Hartlepool Borough Council for winning the award."
Hart Gables LGBT Action Development Worker Andy Towers said: "Hart Gables are delighted to present Stronger Communities Middlesbrough with this recognition of their place as a LGBT Alliance Awards Finalist.
"Validating an individual's sexuality or gender with acceptance and kindness is key to spreading happiness and understanding.
"Stronger Communities has made reality projects such as LGBT Home Free, which raised awareness about the issues faced by local LGBT+ people seeking asylum, promoted community cohesion, and provided a supportive space in which local LGBT+ people seeking asylum can talk about their experiences and have their voices heard."
Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: "Fantastic recognition for a brilliant project, and amazing work by Joe and Rama who are a credit to the Council and the wider community.
"This sort of work is so important in helping to maintain and develop the welcoming and integrated communities that are part of Middlesbrough's DNA.
"Thanks to Hart Gables for the recognition, and here's to lots more great work in future."
- For the latest local updates and information, visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/covid19
For advice for clinically extremely vulnerable residents call Middlesbrough Council's support line on 01642 729777
The latest advice from Government and Public Health England can be found at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus