FAVOURITE MOMENTS OF PRIDE
RENA ARMSTRONG
I have been part of Pride at NEXT from the beginning back in 2019!
Since then I am proud of being able to shape the branding into what it is today, showcasing the amazing support the employee-led network offers.
A main highlight for me is working on the event graphics for all our pride events we have hosted externally across the country, from Leicester to Leeds and most recently Manchester Pride!
Alongside this we launched our fourth Pride Month Collection, which I was lucky enough to be a part of designing.
DARREN HOPKINS
Back in June 2019, as part of the founding team who launched the Pride At NEXT Employee led community. We had the support of (ENEI) Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion, to help build and get us off the ground! This was one of the first moves we made to grow the outreach as a business to the communities within.
Swiftly moving to November 2019 where we worked on the launch of our Trans and non-binary policy and supporting guides, a real pivotal moment in ensuring our transgender colleagues feel comfortable living authentically in the workplace, it’s important that we understand our responsibility to support them through their transition, whatever that may involve.
Finally in August 2024, showing up in force at Manchester Pride. This is our biggest Pride to date, showcasing the work achieved for our internal community and the Terrence Higgins Trust, as the long standing partner we support!
JAZZ CONLEY-BUGG
I've been a member of the Pride Committee for several years now and I can hand on heart say it's been an incredible journey so far! I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to collaborate with the amazing individuals that make up the Pride Committee. By highlighting the experiences and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, we have created spaces for open dialogue, mutual understanding, and support. Our efforts aim to ensure everyone feels valued, regardless of their background or identity, and to foster a more inclusive environment where all voices could be heard and respected. Championing diversity and inclusion within our community is something I find particularly rewarding!
ANDREW JURD
Being the Chair of the Pride at NEXT employee-led community for the past 6 years has been one of the most professionally gratifying of my career. The people I have met as a result of this role have been nothing short of inspirational! One of my favorite moments from the last 6 years was running my first ever Half Marathon last year with my good friend and colleague Stuart Sadler. We raised £2435 for our charity partner THT.
SARAH STONE
I joined the Pride at Next committee when it was formed 6 years ago. Being involved in Pride helps to raise awareness but also encourages positive change by promoting equality, understanding, and respect for all identities across the Next Workforce. It’s a space where everyone can be their authentic selves. It is a privilege to be part of a group of like-minded individuals, who are all aiming and working towards the same goal.
ANDREW CHAMBERLAIN-SMITH
Since joining next I have always felt at home, within the teams I have worked with, acceptance is a word I would associate with next. I joined the pride committee just after covid, I felt I wanted to be part of the bigger picture of how next can help the LGBTQ+ community with the business.
Since joining the pride committee I attended my first pride with the team in Leeds which was an amazing day to celebrate. The people that attended on that day showed Leeds what next is all about. Celebrating pride in our stores is a key event in the SS season and always creates a fun and exciting day.
Being in the committee has helped me really understand the importance of spreading support within the workplace to the community and all our allies. The introduction of pronouns on lanyard has been a highlight of my time on the committee.