Over the next few months, a number of Pride events are being held in Greater Anglia’s region and the company is doing its part by encouraging anyone taking part to let the train take the strain when travelling to events and festivals.

Several key events are being held in places served by the company, so that everyone across the East of England can take part, with events in the following places:

• Suffolk Pride, centred around Ipswich (Friday, 30th June to Sunday, 30th July)
• London Pride (Saturday, 1st July)
• Southend Pride (Friday, 7th to Saturday, 15th July)
• Ely Pride (Saturday, 29th July)
• Norwich Pride (Saturday, 29th July)
• Colchester Pride (Saturday, 12 August)

On Sundays 9th and 16th of July, engineering works will take place in the area between Ipswich, Cambridge, and/Ely, and buses will replace trains on those dates.

On 29th July, buses are due to replace trains between Ely and Norwich, and industrial action is also planned for that date. Customers are advised to check their journey details at www.greateranglia.co.uk before they travel.

During last month, flags and bunting were put up by Greater Anglia staff at its stations as part of this year’s Pride events.

The company also launched a workshop called ‘Greater Together’, which is designed to encourage all of the company’s staff, regardless of their role, to discuss their own life experiences, view actions from a different perspective, tackle any unconscious biases, and challenge their own thinking.

Earlier this year, a group for LGBT+ colleagues and allies called ‘Affinity’ was set up and is being run by frontline staff and members of management with the aim of inspiring action, education, and connection. It also is intended to support and act as a community around the topic of sexuality and make sure the company is as inclusive as possible.

Jamie Gooch, Senior Conductor based at Norwich and member of the Affinity group, said: “Since coming to work for Greater Anglia, I’ve been very lucky to be able to be my true self at work and to feel comfortable in doing so.
“The fact that I identify as a gay man has not had any impact on the way my managers or colleagues treat me at work.

“Many of our customers and colleagues are part of the LGBT+ community and the areas in which we live can be quite isolated due to the rural nature. This can lead to feelings of isolation within the LGBT+ community.

“We are in a prime position to help people to get to Pride events and tackle this isolation by connecting all members of the community. We truly can assist in bringing people together.”

Liam Reynolds, Customer Service Supervisor at Shenfield station and member of the Affinity group said: “It is always heart-warming to see the railway come together to celebrate events, including Pride.

“There is always a great buzz around the station and network when customers are heading to the festivals.”
Martin Moran, Greater Anglia’s Commercial Director, said: “Our staff always are passionate around events and festivals and Pride is no exception.

“It is lovely to see our stations decorated for the celebration of Pride as well as the Affinity group and Greater Together workshop being set up to improve our knowledge of diversity even further.

“We’re looking forward to transporting our customers to Pride festivals and to help with celebrations all over our network in the coming few months.”