The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Everyone and Anyone (LGBTEA) group at Bridgwater College were recently awarded the prestigious Anne Frank Award at this year’s Somerset Anne Frank Awards, at Millfield School in Street.

Now in its sixth year, the Awards, which are inspired by Anne Frank and supported by the Anne Frank Trust, recognise and reward personal strengths and achievements of young people across Somerset.

The LGBTEA group was set up by students, for students in September 2015. Since forming, the group has built up a membership of more than 40 students between the College’s Bridgwater and Cannington Centres. The group operate with an open and friendly ethos that promotes kindness and inclusivity. From setting up social media pages where new members are welcomed and offered a safe environment to meet other members, some of the group are now trained to offer a mentoring service to its members.

The group are currently designing a training package for College staff surrounding lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. The aim of the training will be to increase the knowledge and confidence of staff when discussing these topics to enable them to better support students.

Fiona Jolley, Student Liaison Officer at Bridgwater College, and who nominated the group for the Award said,

“The group is extremely proactive and are dedicated to understanding their members. Raising awareness and supporting the promotion of equality is what the group is really about. They call themselves a big rainbow family and they truly welcome everyone. Receiving this award has been a fantastic accolade to the hard work and enthusiasm each member has committed to the group.”

If you would like more information about becoming a student at Bridgwater College please contact our Information and Guidance team on 01278 441234.