As Pride season brings communities together to celebrate diversity, equality and inclusion, Alder Hey is proud to reaffirm its commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for everyone.
At Alder Hey, we recognise the diverse range of lived experiences of the children, young people, families and carers we support. We believe that every child, young person, family member and colleague deserves to feel safe, respected and valued. Through the work of our LGBTQIA+ Staff Network and our wider commitment to equity and belonging, we continue to champion inclusivity both within our organisation and across our communities.
The Alder Hey LGBTQIA+ Staff Network plays a vital role in helping to foster a culture where people can be their authentic selves. By promoting awareness, encouraging allyship and creating opportunities for connection and support, the network helps ensure that inclusion remains at the heart of everything we do.
For healthcare organisations, creating inclusive spaces is about more than celebration—it is about improving experiences and outcomes for patients, families and staff. Building on this commitment, Alder Hey hosted its first Pride event in 2025, bringing together colleagues, children, young people and families for a vibrant celebration of inclusion.
Following the success of our first event, Alder Hey was proud to host its 2026 Pride celebrations on Friday 24 July. Organised by the LGBTQIA+ Staff Network and supported by Alder Hey Children’s Charity and developed in partnership with our Youth Forum, the event once again created opportunities for children and young people to celebrate individuality, creativity and community.
A range of activities were on offer, and we were proud this year to welcome the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Neighbourhoods Team and representatives from Sahir House to join in our celebration. Staff, patients, families and visitors also had the opportunity to engage with local community partners and learn more about the support available across the region.
The celebrations continued on Saturday 25 July, when Alder Hey colleagues proudly joined thousands of people at Liverpool Pride, standing alongside NHS organisations from across the region as One NHS and demonstrating our shared commitment to creating environments where everyone can thrive.
Creating a safe space where children, young people and families feel seen, heard and understood is something we’re incredibly proud of. Recognising and respecting people’s lived experiences helps us make care more accessible and inclusive. One of the best parts of hosting this event is seeing the smiles, laughter and joy shared by children, young people and families as they come together and have fun.” Alder Hey’s LGBTQIA+ Staff Network.
At Alder Hey, Pride is more than a moment in the calendar. It reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring that every child, young person, family and colleague feels seen, heard and valued. By celebrating diversity and championing inclusion, we are helping to build a healthier, fairer future where everyone feels they belong.