At WestWay we empower young people to be proud of who they are! We stand for equality and inclusion and celebrate diversity. We encourage our young people to express themselves creatively and celebrate their identity. Above all else we ensure our students lead with kindness and we are always so proud of the supportive and diverse community they have helped WestWay build. Our Pride page is live all year round. It's for our Young People and their trusted adults to find helpful information, organisations and communities so we can continue to support each other.
BE INSPIRED
Find out about the incredible people and passion behind pride.
ORGANISATIONS & NETWORKS
We have compiled a list of organisations in the arts and education that support LGBT+ performers and young people or work to educate children for change.
THE PROUD TRUST
The Proud Trust is an LGBT+ organisation that supports LGBT+ young people through youth groups, peer support, mentoring programs and the Proud Connections. Find support and information for Young People, their trusted adults and training for schools.
A proportion of the programme profits for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! will got to this wonderful charity.
COMMUNITY IN LONDON
Mosaic Trust is the London hub for LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and more) young persons. We do this by providing accessible activities, programmes and services that aim to empower community members, provide essential resources, advocate for young LGBT+ rights, and embrace, promote and endorse the diversity of young persons.
SUPPORTING QUEER PERFORMANCE SINCE 2015
Raze is a charity established to support, develop and nurture queer performance in the UK. Through our queer-led, artist & community driven programme we curate innovative events & performance opportunities for queer creatives!
MIND: MENTAL HEALTH
Information about mental health support for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+). Embracing your LGBTQIA+ identity can have a positive impact on your wellbeing!
CONSORTIUM
Consortium supports LGBT+ Groups and Organisations for stronger LGBT+ Communities. Including HyperFusion Theatre Company - A theatre-in-education company, their specialist area is immersive and interactive theatre for change: Education in Equal Opportunities/discrimination, events and training
SUPPORT YOUR YOUNG PERSON
Advice on how to support a young person if they've come out or are questioning their sexuality or sexual orientation.
TALK TO SOMEONE AT WESTWAY
We are so proud to have so many of the LGBTQ+ community as part of our team and community. All members of our team are happy to support our young people, but you can always chat to one of our Principals about the work WestWay is doing or for additional information or support.
CATE BLACKMORE
Cate is the Founder of WestWay. Always putting our students first, WestWay prioritises the well-being, safety and health of our students. Scroll down to find out more about her learning methodology for Educators and Facilitators to help support and enhance young people's understanding of gender and sexuality in a youth theatre setting. You can contact Cate directly on 07449500530
BENJAMIN DREW
Ben is a Principal at WestWay and is here to support our students, their adults and our team! Trained in Safeguarding, Ben is a supportive member of the team who is always happy to have a chat or point you in the direction of other people and networks who can offer great support.
EMMA O’HARA
Emma O'Hara is a WestWay Principal and Accessibility Coordinator. She is also a Creative Educator for children with SEN and ASC and uses performance methodologies to support the development of young people. With her ability to offer a trusted and supportive ear, our team and students always appreciate her warm approach.
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
WestWay understands the importance of having a support network outside of traditional institutions, so our teaching approach is collaborative with mutual respect between students and teachers. We hope that we have created an environment that allows children to feel safe in our school so they can question, understand and explore without judgement.
As part of her Master's Degree at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Cate has created a learning methodology for Educators and Facilitators to help support and enhance young people's understanding of gender and sexuality in a youth theatre setting. This methodology focusses on the use of age-appropriate discussions and drama strategies to support gender equity, acceptance and builds confidence, self-identity and agency in all young performers. This will be part of WestWay's larger inclusion and diversity plan and will be published on WestWay's website in the new academic year. It will also be shared with teachers/facilitators in other organisations. Let us know if you'd like to know more now!
Our Statement
Our EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION POLICY sets out our commitment to creating an environment where diversity is celebrated and equality of opportunity is embedded for all students and staff regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, belief or religion. Our aim is for our staff and student bodies to be truly representative of all areas of society.
We are resolute to both meet and exceed current obligations under legislation. By doing more than is required by law we will continue to build on WestWay’s current reputation and practice as a diverse and truly inclusive arts training institution.
OUR ACTION PLAN
This statement is a commitment we have made to all underrepresented groups and to those who have experienced prejudice and discrimination.
Train and Educate
Ensure all team members are educated about systemic and endemic racism, inequality and unconscious bias.
Represent
Actively recruit and draw upon the expertise of all communities and review how we engage students to represent and promote WestWay.
Listen
Conduct a culture of transparency and request feedback regularly.
Support and Connect
Establish a safe environment for students to be supported and ensure we connect all our communities.
Advocate
Work as an institution with peer drama schools and cultural industry partners to tackle racism, inequality and injustice.
POLICIES
FEEDBACK
There's always more we can do so please feel free to send us your feedback as well!