Organisers behind Norwich Pride have revealed details about what Schools Week celebrations will look like this year.
It will include a series of events from Monday, June 27 to Friday, July 1.
This marks the fourth year of Norwich Pride Schools Week.
The series was introduced as a way for schools to join in the Norwich Pride celebrations during term time.
This year's theme is focussed on protecting the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ students and staff.
Research has shown that LGBTQ+ young people are particularly vulnerable to poor mental health.
A recent report by charity Just Like Us found that they are twice as likely to feel lonely and more than twice as likely to worry daily about their mental health than their peers.
This was especially the case during lockdown.
Nick O’Brien, trustee from Norwich Pride, says: “Schools work all year round to eradicate bullying and to create safe supportive environments for all young people.
“Sadly LGBTQ+ young people still face homophobia, transphobia and other prejudices around their identities.
"The effects of this on mental health and self-esteem can be very negative.
“Pride Schools Week is important because it gives schools a focal point for their work to ensure that LGBTQ+ students feel safe and proud to be themselves.”
David Day, headteacher at Sewell Park Academy in Norwich said: “We had a lunchtime Pride march last year as part of a week of classroom-based and extracurricular activities to celebrate Norwich Pride Schools Week.
“It helped reinforce for all students and staff one of our core values of respect.”
This year’s Norwich Pride Schools Week is sponsored by East of England Co-op.
Niall O’Keeffe, joint chief executive for the East of England Co-op, said: “As a co-operative, we believe that we are stronger together and that’s what Norwich Pride Schools Week is all about.
“LGBTQ+ students and colleagues feeling supported and a valued part of their school communities. By working together, we are unstoppable.”
As well as downloadable resources, there will be a series of workshops across the week for students and staff, including a Teachers Meet-Up on Monday, June 27.
To find out more about Norwich Pride Schools Week, go to www.norwichpride.org.uk.
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