GMMH takes Manchester Village Pride 2026 | News and Events

Last weekend, GMMH took on the Manchester Village Pride Parade alongside MFT, Pennine Care, NHS and NHS England.

 

 

Taking place in the heart of Manchester, the parade brought together community groups, charities, public sector organisations and businesses to champion equality, inclusion and diversity. 

Representatives from our Trust marched through the city centre carrying NHS Pride flags and banners, demonstrating the Trust's ongoing commitment to creating safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for all.

GMMH's contribution highlighted the importance of supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community. Research continues to show that LGBTQ+ communities can experience health inequalities and face additional challenges which can impact mental wellbeing. 

This makes visibility, allyship and inclusive healthcare more important than ever.

It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate inclusion, support one another, and recognise the diversity within our Trust and our community. The Trust remains dedicated to ensuring that LGBTQ+ staff, service users, carers and families feel respected, valued and supported.

 

 

Here are some pictures of our staff attending the parade:

Our CEO, Chris Oliver said:

"Today was my first Manchester Pride Parade with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Despite the rain, the atmosphere was incredible.

Pride is important to me because everyone deserves to feel able to be themselves, at work, in healthcare, and in life. It's a celebration of how far we've come as a community but a reminder of why visibility, inclusion and belonging still matter.

A huge thank you to Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust for the invitation and to all the colleagues and allies who made today so special."

 

Chair of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network, Nik Hookey, said:

 “It was fabulous to join with NHS colleagues across Greater Manchester to show that we are united in making the NHS a great place to work and to receive treatment whatever your sexual or gender identity. Our Staff Network is here all year round to provide support.”