Curo is proud to announce that it has been awarded LGBTQ+ Pledge Pioneer status by Stonewall Housing. It confirms that Curo continues to strengthen its commitment to serve LGBTQ+ customers and has a plan to bring the community’s voices to the fore in the design of services.
One of the ways we’re doing this is through the formation of an LGBTQ+ residents’ group. Eric, who’s recently joined, gave us an initial reaction to the news at Curo’s Big Get Together community event.
We’d love to speak to any Curo customers who want to find out more – please email pride@curo-group.co.uk
We also spoke to Emma Collins-Todd, Interim Director of Specialist Housing & Support, who is an active participant in Curo’s LGBTQ+ Inclusion Colleague Voice Group.
Curo first joined the pledge scheme in June 2024. Pledge Pioneer status confirms that we’ve begun to embed that commitment within the day-to-day business of the organisation and have a plan to bring the interests of the community into the decision-making process.
Commenting on Curo’s submission, Stonewall Housing praised the visibility of our pledge including our use of rainbow lanyards, Curo’s attendance at Bristol Pride and support for local LGBTQ+ businesses and events. It also recognised the role of senior leaders in championing inclusion.
A lot of work remains if we’re to retain this award and aim for Pledge Plus accreditation, the highest recognition that Stonewall Housing offers.
We know, sadly, that LGBTQ+ residents continue to experience discrimination in their everyday lives, including in relation to their housing.
Research by the HouseProud network found that 60% of trans respondents did not feel that their neighbourhood was a safe place to live and one-in-five gay men reported modifying their home in some way – for example, moving pictures or books – to hide their sexual orientation from a visiting repairs or housing officer.
At Curo, we believe a home should be a haven - somewhere everyone can live authentically, embracing their sexual orientation and gender identity without judgment. Our ongoing work with the pledge demonstrates this commitment to help every resident feel welcome.
