A COLLEGE becomes member of charity for its work celebrating and protecting diversity.

Barton Peveril Sixth Form College in Eastleigh has become a Stonewall Champion.

Stonewall is a charity that works with institutions to create inclusive and accepting cultures for LGBT individuals.

This membership provides institutions with a range of resources to help support LGBT students and celebrate diversity.

The college has become a Champion as part of its continued efforts to maintain equality, diversity and inclusion in its community.

It is said to have got the membership for its work celebrating and protecting diversity, across four key areas; in its policies, in preventing bullying, in its curriculum and support, and throughout the wider college community and culture.

The college has an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Committee, consisting of staff and students, who work across the College to ensure students are supported and diversity is celebrated.

Each year, the College holds an annual Pride event and Festival of Culture and each week resources are shared in tutorial sessions to educate students about inclusivity and diversity.

Barton Peveril’s Vice Principal for Students and Progress, Nicola Carcone, said: “It is a real pleasure to be involved with Stonewall and become one of their Champions.

"Their ethos on equality and inclusivity links with everything Barton Peveril believes in; that all learners and staff will thrive in a safe environment and be forward thinking, open minded and treat everyone with mutual respect and tolerance.”

Stonewall receives no core government funding and funds are instead raised in a variety of ways including donations, sponsorship, and fundraising events.