Following the publication of the EHRC Code of Practice, we want to be very clear about our commitment to inclusion.
Brighton & Hove Food Partnership opposes the interpretation of the guidance that results in the policing of people’s gender. We welcome people of all identities, including trans, non-binary, genderqueer and intersex people, to make full use of our facilities without challenge based on their identity.
We remain firmly committed to creating environments where everyone, including LGBTQIA+ people feel safe, respected and free from discrimination. It has been a pleasure to host a wide variety of communities and groups over the years, and we look forward to welcoming both new and longstanding collaborators into our spaces.
We recognise that visible and active support matters, especially at times when human rights are in regression. We will continue to listen, learn and stand alongside LGBTQIA+ communities across Brighton & Hove.
It is incredibly important to us that all of our city’s wonderfully diverse communities feel safe and welcome in our spaces. We work hard to remove barriers that might prevent people from taking part in our activities, programmes and events.
We strive to ensure our spaces are welcoming, accessible and free from discrimination of any kind. Some of the ways we do this include:
- We have gender-neutral toilets in all our spaces as well as an organisational commitment that there will be no policing of gender or any other identities in any of our work or venues.
- Our Community Kitchen is level access and includes a height-adjustable, wheelchair-accessible workstation and specialist accessible cooking equipment.
- Our Clubhouse and office are wheelchair accessible and include accessible toilet facilities.
- We recognise and value neurodiversity. We aim to make our spaces welcoming for people with different ways of thinking, learning and processing information. This includes providing clear information, offering different ways for people to participate, considering sensory needs where possible, and being open to reasonable adjustments that help people feel comfortable and included.
- We are striving to be an anti-racist organisation and have published an anti-racist statement that outlines our ongoing commitment and actions.
- Our staff and volunteers receive training and guidance to help create welcoming, respectful and inclusive environments for everyone.
We know there is always more to learn. We welcome ideas, feedback and challenge about how we can continue to strengthen the support we provide to our communities and make our spaces as inclusive and safe as possible.
In solidarity,
Brighton and Hove Food Partnership
