NHS partners join forces to celebrate Stoke-on-Trent Pride 2025

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System (ICS) NHS partners recently came together to attend and celebrate Stoke-on-Trent Pride 2025 at Hanley Park.

The event attracted thousands of visitors from across the local area and further afield, offering a mix of entertainment, community engagement, and celebration. Over 140 stalls filled the park showcasing everything from face painting, crafts and food, to music, entertainment, live performances, fairground rides and support services – all culminating in the afternoon’s much anticipated Pride Parade.   

The ICS pitch brought together colleagues from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, and Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB). Visitors had the opportunity to learn more about NHS career pathways and opportunities, staff networks, and ongoing work around equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging within the ICS. North Staffordshire Wellbeing College and the Bowel Screening team were also in attendance to share valuable resources and support.

A special highlight of the day included a live book reading from local author Mike Groden (also known as Max Austin) who presented his second bio-fictional novel ‘That Is What We Are?’.

Other system partners in attendance included Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, and Stoke-on-Trent City Council, each contributing to the atmosphere of the day.

“This event was a fantastic opportunity to connect with hundreds of people from diverse backgrounds and to promote inclusion and belonging in the NHS, and specifically Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System and our offer and services,” said Lesley Faux, Inclusion and Belonging Senior Programme Lead, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System (ICS).  “We were proud to be part of such a positive and inclusive celebration and look forward to returning next year.”

The ICS extends its sincere thanks to all NHS colleagues who supported the event, the many attendees who engaged with the team, and Tesco Longton for their generous donation of fresh fruit.