The team at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Manchester has donated £1,000 to an LGBT+ youth charity in support of the first purpose-built LGBT+ space in Europe, which opened in June 2022 on Sidney Street.

The Proud Place has been created as a safe, comfortable environment for LGBT+ young people and the wider community to find support, meet people and relax. It’s equipped with an extensive library of LGBT+ literature, meeting places, a rooftop garden, and a kitchen.

This community hub is cared for by The Proud Trust and will act as the charity’s new base. The Proud Trust empowers LGBT+ young people through conversations, activities, events, and training.

The Proud Trust also delivers training for teachers and other youth professionals. The charity creates LGBT+ positive resources for schools, colleges, and other youth settings, to help them become LGBT+ inclusive in their practice, policy, and curriculum.

The Amazon Manchester team has been a long-standing supporter of The Proud Trust, donating a total more than £10,000 to the charity since 2017. To mark the donation, some members of the Amazon Manchester team attended the opening of The Proud Place.

Speaking on the donation, Ian Jackson, General Manager at Amazon in Manchester, said:

“We are pleased to support The Proud Trust in the opening of its new facility. The Proud Place is a great addition to our city, which I hope will be an enjoyable hub for members of the LGBT+ community to form friendships and happy memories.”

Phil Lamb, Amazon Manchester LGBTQ+ affinity group member, who attended the launch of The Proud Place, added:

“It was a pleasure to attend the launch of The Proud Place, and witness the progression made by The Proud Trust. It is a fantastic resource that will be welcomed by all in the LGBTQ+ community. Well done to everyone involved.”

Lisa Harvey-Nebil from The Proud Trust said:

“We are beyond proud of what we have accomplished and would like to say thank you to Ian and the team at Amazon in Manchester. Without support like this, we would not have been able to create this beautiful space for our young people and the wider LGBT+ community in Manchester.”

The Proud Trust received the donation as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities in and around its operating locations across the UK.

Amazon is providing disadvantaged students with online STEM courses as well as teaming up with charity partner Magic Breakfast and delivering up to six million healthy breakfasts to families in England.