HOUSE provider Fortis Living are sponsoring Worcestershire Pride - the first event of its kind supporting the LGBT community.

Fortis, which provides more than 15,000 homes throughout Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, decided to sponsor the event being held this Saturday, as part of its commitment to supporting projects that promote tolerance, equality, diversity and inclusivity in local communities.

The event, taking place at The Fountains and Copenhagen Street car park by South Quay, runs between midday and 8pm.

Tom Piotrowski, diversity and inclusion advisor at Fortis Living, said: “It is particularly important for us to show active support for a local Pride event in light of increased hate crime reports and homophobic attitudes that gain notoriety in some quarters of society both in the UK and internationally.

“We are convinced that celebrating diversity of our communities, including our local LGBT community, is one of the best ways to challenge these negative trends.

“Our support for Worcestershire Pride is part of a wider work focusing on celebrating diversity of local communities.”

To accompany the event there is also a Worcestershire Pride Festival of Arts and Culture until Friday, September 29.

There will be an exhibition, Pride Art, at The Hive.

Aaron John, Fortis Living Board Member said: “I am proud to be part of an organisation that embraces diversity and is one that creates a fully inclusive environment for all.

“I am committed to ensure that we provide our LGBT colleagues and residents with a positive and supportive environment.”

A competition was has also be ran to spot the Fortis Living proudly supports Worcestershire Pride logo, offering various prizes.

Worcestershire Pride is a volunteer run community organisation that seeks to provide safe spaces, community building and cultural events for LGBT people in Worcestershire.