On 29th June 2024, staff, volunteers, friends and family of Together and not forgetting Tobi our doggie mascot, joined the London 2024 Pride Parade. This was an opportunity for us to show our solidarity to the LGBTQ+ community.

Reflections from those who took part

Introduction from Mandy Chainey, People Inclusion Manager

It was an amazing day, the sun was shining, the whistles were blowing, the music was blearing and everyone was having an incredible time. We proudly walked alongside so many other wonderful organisations and groups from The Terrance Higgins Trust to the Queer Refugees Unite.  It was a colourful array of magical people.

But we must not forget the real reason for London Pride – The Stonewall riots were important protests that took place in 1969 in the US, that changed gay rights for a lot of people in America and around the world.

Pride is a celebration of people coming together in love and friendship, to show how far LGBTQ+ rights have come, and how in some places there’s still work to be done. Read on to see photos from the day and reflections from some of the other people who took part.

Ali Tudor, People Development Advisor

I’ve been to Pride as a spectator, but never in the actual parade itself. It really is an incredible experience. I was immediately hit by the brightly coloured rainbow flags and the music playing from the many speakers all around us; pockets of parties that everyone was invited too.

The handful of protestors reminded us why we were there and why it is so important to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Their drowned out protests only made the joy and beauty all the more bright as we marched on, unified by our celebration of diversity, and fight for equal rights.

Medion Zorba, Communications & Relationships Coordinator, Southwark Wellbeing Hub

I had the incredible privilege of joining the Pride in London Parade 2024, and it was an experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Whether you were part of an LGBTQI+ community, or a proud ally, everyone marched “Together”. We were more than participants; we were a collective force for change. The streets were filled with cheers and applause! The energy intensified when attendees would notice Tobi! Our Together Pride mascot. Families, friends, and strangers lined the route, celebrating love, resilience, and authenticity.

In 2006, I was assessed by a mental health professional because I was in an extremely dark place where I tried to end my life. There were voices in my head that were very strong and overwhelming. I had a doctor’s appointment where I was told I had borderline schizophrenia.

A week later, I was arrested for threatening to kill my Mum. When I got arrested, the police asked me if I had any mental health issues, so I told them about my diagnosis of schizophrenia the week before. They then came back half an hour later and accused me of lying about my recent diagnosis. I told them to ring my Mum and partner, who would both tell them that I was in fact telling the truth. The policeman did exactly that and came back to inform me that this had happened.

I made a little safety booklet for when I’m next in a low place.

I was in and out of services until 2018, when I had a psychotic breakdown. After this, I was reassessed. They told me that my new diagnosis was emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD) with psychotic episodes and compulsive components. After the assessment, I was put in touch with the Recovery College. At first, I wasn’t keen on the idea at all but I persevered and well… I actually learnt a lot!

I did a couple of courses at the Recovery College. After attending the ‘wellness planning’ course, I soon learnt that recovery isn’t going to happen overnight. Recovery is a long winding road, not a straight road like I had thought or wished.

I did another course called ‘safety planning’ which was quite a hard one because we were talking about times in crisis. I made a little safety booklet for when I’m next in a low place. In ‘goals setting’, I learnt that the best thing was to set small, more achievable goals.

It’s not going to beat me, I’m going to beat it!

This experience led me onto starting a blog, where I write and talk about mental health and my personal journey. I’ve found this to be very empowering and helpful with my own recovery. I’ve also come up with a little saying that I like to repeat to myself: ‘it’s not going to beat me, I’m going to beat it!’

I then found out about a therapy called Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). This type of therapy has proven to be very beneficial for people who have a personality disorder diagnosis. I’ve been chasing DBT down for 2 years now, and I can finally say that I’ve gained a spot with Norfolk and Waveney Mind to start it. So, it’s time for me to learn more tools and become an even better me. This is just the next chapter in my mental health journey. 

On the 8th of September Bipolar UK celebrated their 40th anniversary with volunteers and ambassadors in Westminster City Hall- the venue where the charity’s first peer support group meeting took place. The 40th birthday event was a chance to say thank you to all the volunteers who Have helped make the world a better place for people with bipolar.