South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) is once
again expecting a large turnout of its staff and volunteers to
participate in Brighton and Hove Pride.

The Trust is also urging the public to be sensible and look out
for each other over what is always one of the busiest weekends in
the city.

Ambulance crews, emergency operations centre staff and
volunteers will, as ever, be working hard across the Trust’s region
to provide people with the help they require. Across the Pride
weekend last year, (4-5 August), SECAmb handled some 4,700 calls
across its region.

This year, more than 100 staff and volunteers are expected to
walk together in the parade on Saturday 3 August alongside a
specially-wrapped ambulance featuring a unique Pride design. The
Trust is also welcoming representatives from all of England’s
ambulance services as well as colleagues from other NHS trusts.

SECAmb, which will host the National Ambulance LGBT Network at
its HQ in Crawley the day before, also had a strong presence at the
annual Trans Pride event at Brunswick Square in Hove, (20 July).
Led by Acting Chair of the Pride in SECAmb staff network, Steph
Meech, staff and volunteers demonstrated and taught CPR and first
aid skills to the public.

The event followed on from a well-attended Trans Awareness
session that was held at the Trust’s Crawley HQ in Crawley on
Friday 19 July.

Pride in SECAmb was recently recognised by being shortlisted in
the employee network group category at the annual enei (Employers
Network for Equality and Inclusion) awards which took place earlier
this month.

The awards also saw the Trust awarded a silver enei Talent,
Inclusion and Diversity Benchmark for the second year running.

Steph Meech said: “We’re expecting another good turnout for the
Pride parade. It’s always very humbling to see so many people turn
out to cheer and support staff. We’re very proud of everyone who
works for SECAmb and this is a great opportunity to celebrate
diversity.”

Operating Unit Manager for Brighton, Tim Fellows added: “Pride
is a great event for the whole city but it’s also a very busy
weekend for staff and volunteers as they work hard to provide
people with the help they need.

“I would urge people to help us manage demand by being sensible
and looking out for each other. We’re asking people to act
responsibly so that they don’t find themselves or others they’re
with requiring an ambulance for something which could have been
avoided.”

People are urged to stay safe across the weekend by following
SECAmb’s summer weather advice here:
http://www.secamb.nhs.uk/our_services/first_aid_advice/safe_and_cool_in_the_sun.aspx

SECAmb would like to thank its local Unison branch and Optima
Health for sponsoring the Pride ambulance. Designed by local
company, Chilli Graphics, the ambulance will be unveiled on Friday
2 August.