Helping 25 young people take their place at Pride
A connection made through Birmingham City Council’s platform brought YMCA Sutton Coldfield and Essity together to support young people with learning disabilities and young carers taking part in Birmingham Pride.
Pride is a celebration.
It’s a reminder that inclusion and diversity are values everyone should actively live out and embrace in the spaces they occupy and communities they’re part of.
For YMCA Sutton Coldfield, this was at the heart of its Pride project. The organisation secured a place in the Birmingham Pride parade for a group of 25 young adults with learning disabilities, young carers and staff members. What it needed was support to cover the costs of taking part.
Through Birmingham City Council’s Match My Project platform, YMCA Sutton Coldfield posted a request for £1,000 to cover parade entry, t-shirts, banners, flags, whistles and other materials for the group.
Essity stepped forward to help.
A partnership renewed
This was not the first time the two organisations had worked together.
Essity previously supported YMCA Sutton Coldfield and immediately recognised the organisation when its project appeared on Match My Project. In its offer note, the company wrote:
“Essity would be proud to work with you again this year.”
The message was a natural extension of a relationship that had already been built – rooted in shared work and genuine collaboration over time.
This is part of what Match My Project is designed to nurture. Beyond helping organisations discover and connect with new supporters, Match My Project creates space for existing relationships to deepen, opening doors to fresh opportunities and giving partnerships that already have a strong foundation even more room to grow.
Going beyond the donation
Once the project was matched, Huw James from Essity spoke with YMCA Sutton Coldfield to learn more about the project and understand how the funding would support the group.
The relationship extended beyond financial support. Huw also shared information about additional sources of support that could benefit the charity in the future.
Alongside colleague Jo, he later visited YMCA Sutton Coldfield to learn more about the organisation’s work and meet the people behind it.
When YMCA Sutton Coldfield posted the project, it explained that participation would give those involved “an opportunity to be part of a high-profile event and to feel seen.”
For the young people taking part, Birmingham Pride offered a chance to celebrate who they are, be part of one of the city’s largest events and take their place in a public celebration of inclusion and acceptance.
What both organisations said
YMCA Sutton Coldfield praised Essity’s collaborative approach throughout the project.
“We love working with Essity. They are always open and collaborative in their approach to projects and we were really pleased they were able to support our Pride parade group.”
The charity also highlighted the support provided by Huw James, including the time he took to understand the project and connect the organisation with further opportunities for support.
Essity was equally positive about the partnership.
“Such a fantastic organisation and well run. Pleasure to be associated with YMCA Sutton Coldfield.”
Celebrating Pride month
As Pride Month continues, this project shows how practical support can help make inclusion a reality – a funding contribution, an existing relationship and a willingness to get involved.
Here’s to more opportunities for inclusion.
About Match My Project
Match My Project connects community organisations with local businesses to deliver Social Value. Get in touch at hello@matchmyproject.org to find out how your organisation can get started.
