A nursing home in Furness held its first Pride event - and is now wanting to make it an annual event.

Aldingham and St Cuthbert’s care home has become one of the first nursing homes in the area to celebrate Pride.

Senior nurse Joanna Dunstan said the event was held to promote and celebrate the diversity of residents, staff and visitors, aiming to encourage a safe and welcoming space for all.

In the lead up to the event, staff spent time researching the history of the LGBTQ+ community, past prejudices and the challenges people faced as well as the evolution of Pride events.

The home is one of a collection of residences owned by Risedale Care Homes and currently cares for 73 residents.

Residents, staff and family members joined in with activities, dressing up ‘bright’ for the event, making Tie- dye T shirts to wear and making crafts such as flags and posters to decorate the home.

They also welcomed Steven Silver, who performed live music at the home to celebrate the occasion.

Joanna said the event was enjoyed by over 100 people including staff, residents and visitors, who enjoyed music from Steven plus a slice of rainbow cake as well as crafts and face painting.

She said: “At Aldingham and St Cuthberts we want to be open and promote open honest conversations with residents about their care to ensure they feel comfortable to be themselves.

The nursing home has made links with the local community, joining the 'all welcome here' map and displaying this at the home, they have also displayed support for local LGBTQ+ groups on their notice boards.

Joanna said: “As a nursing home setting we felt this was important for us to celebrate for both residents and staff promoting equality and acceptance.

“Due to the success this event is something we are looking to do annually.”