Taking Pride in equality

Over the years Novus education departments in the North West and North Wales have collaborated with HMPPS and Pride in Prison and Probation (PiPP), contributing artworks to form part of the Manchester Pride Parade. 

In the year the festival’s theme was ‘Deep Space Pride: A Future World of Equality’, our education departments from HMP Buckley Hall, HMP/YOI Hindley, HMP Liverpool, HMP Risley, HMP/YOI Thorn Cross, HMP Berwyn and HMP Altcourse took the theme on board to create unique pieces of work that were displayed as part of the HMPPS involvement in the parade.

For ‘The Circus of Acceptance’, our learners created artworks for the PiPP entry in partnership with Novus based on the theme, winning the Best Public Sector Parade Award. 

Speaking about the event, Andy Ritchie, HMP Risley Equalities Manager said: “I have many memories of supporting the events. However, the one event that sticks in my mind was my role as North West prisons area lead for PiPP and winning the “Best Public Sector Parade Award” at Manchester Pride. This entry was done in partnership with Novus and learners responded to the theme of “The Circus of Acceptance”. HMPPS staff, Novus staff and allies really did stand out from all the other attendees with our colourful circus themed costumes and pictures made by various North West prisoners.”

Sarah Hartley, Novus Operational Lead for Creative Arts, Enrichment and Families, said:

We encourage and celebrate all the different aspects of diversity that are reflected within our education departments.

"Giving our learners the chance to exercise their creativity, but also to learn about the importance of diversity and inclusivity is something that we feel is an important part of their education.”

While the parade won't take place as normal in 2021, we will still be supporting the festival. You can follow our involvement on our social media channels.