Verity Darbyshire, Customer Engagement Lead; David, Customer Engagement Strategic Committee Chair; Tracy Tonry, Customer Engagement Lead and Phil, an engaged Orbit customer.
Customer Engagement Lead Verity Darbyshire, tells us about their day...
"On Saturday 20 August, myself, and a few other colleagues, attended our very first Pride event in Leamington Spa. One of our engaged customers, who is a member of our LGBTQ+ group, told us that he thought it would a great chance for us to take part - to raise awareness about Orbit, actively engage within our community and showcase both our customer engagement offer and our Better Days support services.
"Well, we completely agreed! After finding a few more willing Orbit volunteers - Tracy Tonry, Keisha Brown-Greaves, Torey Partridge and Abby Hartlebury - to help on the day, the scene was set, and we were ready to go for what was set to become one of our highlights of the year so far."
Here’s our Pride story…
Keisha Brown-Greaves, Associate Placemaking and Partnership Manager; Verity Darbyshire, Customer Engagement Lead; Phil, an engaged Orbit customer and Tracy Tonry, Customer Engagement Lead.
"Keisha and I arrived at the early (for a Saturday) time of 9.30, got stuck in straight away and started to set up our stand. Not a fan of camping, we thought it might be a challenge to put the gazebo up, but we did it perfectly and without a hitch!
"We were also an equal mix of delighted and dismayed that our pitch was placed right next to a brownie stand… we managed to resist temptation at first, but they smelt so delicious that we eventually had to give in and have one!
"We were soon joined by some of our engaged customers, Phil, John, and David, who had come along to support us. They were there to talk to other customers about their experiences being an engaged customers and how it has benefitted them.
"At 11am, we were thrilled to watch this year’s Pride March. We found that out that in previous years, it was called a ‘parade’, but the event organisers felt that because Pride is ultimately a protest, calling for equal rights for all those in the LGBTQ+ community, calling it a march felt more fitting. It took place along the Parade in Leamington and ended in the Pump Room Gardens where we were based - it was a significant, profound moment and meant so much to all there.
"There was plenty more entertainment too, lots of great singers and artists which added to the great atmosphere of the day – one of which was Kelly Llorena, (from 90’s N-trance fame - giving my age away there!).
"Once the march was finished, our stand really picked up and we no longer regretted our earlier choice of coffee and brownies! We spoke to lots of people about Orbit, what we do and how we support customers - many hadn’t heard of us but wanted to know more.
"We were also pleased that some Orbit customers in attendance come over to chat with us. One came over specifically to praise us for the support they were given during lockdown. They had experienced some personal difficulties and their supporting officer had made every effort to ensure that the right help was given. Keisha also made some referrals into our Better Days programme too and we signed up five more customers to our engagement activities too, which is a fantastic achievement.
"Not only were we able to raise awareness amongst customers but we also took the opportunity to speak other agencies that work within the community - who we can work with in the future to benefit our customers and communities.
"There was such a good atmosphere and vibe on the day, it was truly a pleasure to be a part of. The sun shone and everyone was in good spirits, having a great time. I think it’s one that we’ll definitely be back at in the future!"
