University of Cumbria celebrates community and inclusion at Cumbria Pride 2025
The University of Cumbria, Carlisle United Football Club and Community Sports Trust proudly joined Cumbria Pride’s “Family and Community Day” on Saturday (13 Sept) at Richard Rose Central Academy in Carlisle.
The event marks both the university’s ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ equality, inclusion and community engagement and its partnership between the higher education institution and the National League football club.
A sponsor of Cumbria Pride since 2019, members of the university’s staff and student bodies attended the family day.
At the joint University of Cumbria-Carlisle United stall, visitors were invited to add their handprints to a new banner promoting equality, diversity and inclusion that will be put up on public display at the football club’s Brunton Park stadium.
Above: University of Cumbria LGBTQ+ Staff Network co-chair Joanne Scott, Students' Union well-being officer Aidan Dawson, student ambassador Rotimi Salako and EDI officer Lee McDermott at the Cumbria Pride event.
The Family and Community Day is one of several events being held in September by Cumbria Pride.
The university and football club signed a Memorandum of Understanding in spring 2024 pledging to work together on areas of common interest to support the community and the development of higher-level skills for the region.
Lee McDermott, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Officer at the University of Cumbria, said: “Our ongoing support and attendance at Cumbria Pride is important to the university in terms of being a visible supporter of LGBTQ+ equality, alongside engagement with our local community.
“We’re delighted to collaborate with our partners at Carlisle United Football Club and Community Sports Trust for a second consecutive year, hosting a joint stall at the Cumbria Pride Family and Community Day. Our work in this important area is an example of our growing partnership that also includes research, knowledge exchange and much more.”
Teresa Mulholland, EDI lead for Carlisle United Football Club and Community Sports Trust, said: “It is a great opportunity to support the Cumbria Pride Event, working alongside Lee McDermott in collaboration with the University of Cumbria.
“The artwork will demonstrate Unity within the community and will be displayed within an area of Brunton Park.”
The University of Cumbria’s active LGBTQ+ Staff Network supports and champions the collaboration with Cumbria Pride, which forms an active part of the university’s wider equality, diversity and inclusion activity and community interaction.
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1. Group: University of Cumbria LGBTQ+ Staff Network co-chair, Students' Union well-being officer Aidan Dawson, student ambassador Rotimi Salako and EDI officer Lee McDermott at the Cumbria Pride event.
2. University of Cumbria LGBTQ+ Staff Network co-chair Joanne Scott puts the first hand prints on the Unity banner that will go on display at Carlisle United's Brunton Park.