Osborne Clarke recently welcomed PROUDbristol and the Brigstowe project to their Bristol office for the latest PROUDbristol event.
PROUDbristol is a professional, diverse and inclusive LGBT+ networking group based in Bristol. They welcome LGBT+ individuals, allies and employee networks from across Bristol to monthly events. PROUDbristol aims to share best practice, promote inclusive work places and connect people across a range of local events.
Donating our events space for the evening, the April PROUDbristol event saw Polly Theedom and Aled Osborne from Brigstowe talk about their work. For over 22 years, Brigstowe has offered specialist, confidential and free support, advice and information to anyone in Bristol living with or affected by HIV.
Polly, Campaigns and Fundraising Manager, spoke about the history of HIV & AIDS, including statistics, stigmatisation, and the access to treatment. The most significant message was that, through medication, people living with HIV now have an equal life expectancy to those living without HIV. Polly also discussed what Brigstowe does, their client base, outcomes of their support and how to get involved.
Aled told his own story of how he dealt with his HIV diagnosis; the stigma he has faced and still faces, the support he received and his decision to volunteer with Brigstowe.
Hosting this event is just one of the ways Osborne Clarke seeks to promote inclusion and equality in our local community.
"In my view, PROUDbristol’s April event was one of the best yet. Hosting of the event by Osborne Clarke was exemplary and it was good to learn that their consideration of, and action on, diversity, including LGBT+, permeates every part of their business. Presentations by Brigstowe Project were engaging and thought provoking, and the networking before and after was really interesting and enjoyable"
– Pete Badger, associate sustainability & planning consultant at Stride Treglown."We really enjoyed coming to speak to PROUDbristol at Osborne Clarke. I had some great conversations with people and such a generous offering of support both in time and money. This wider support is becoming more and more necessary with funding being squeeze. We really appreciate the opportunity to connect with such great support and to be more involved with the community too."
– Polly Theedom, campaigns and fundraising manager at Brigstowe Project.
To find out more about the Brigstowe Project visit the website. To get involved with and hear more about PROUDbristol you can contact them by email.
