SSE Airtricity saw off tough competition from the three other finalists in the category: Google, Aviva and Bank of Ireland.
LGBT Ireland said it made the nomination based on SSE Airtricity’s support for the LGBT Helpline, the LGBT Ireland ‘Football Takeover’ and the “genuine partnership” that has evolved between the two organisations.
Claire Murphy, Head of Fundraising & Partnerships, LGBT Ireland said "The LGBT Ireland team is absolutely thrilled to see our incredible partner SSE Airtricity win this well-deserved award. The SSE Airtricity team consistently supports LGBT Ireland's work across the year and always looks to create innovative ways to help inform and support the wider LGBTQI+ community. We are proud to have such an exceptional partner and we are looking forward to what the future will bring."
Ashley Morrow, Head of Brand, Advertising and Sponsorship, SSE Energy Customer Solutions, said “I was delighted to pick up this award on behalf of the team at SSE Airtricity. Like so many people and companies in the room on the night, we’re committed to fostering inclusion and diversity within SSE Airtricity and beyond into our local communities.”
Speaking after the event, Nikki Flanders, Managing Director of SSE Energy Customer Solutions (SSE Energy Solutions & SSE Airtricity) added: “SSE is a values-led business, and we’re delighted to partner with great causes and organisations, like LGBT Ireland, who share those values and a commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels supported, regardless of their difference.”
Supporting the LGBT Helpline
The LGBT Helpline is a vital, confidential support LGBT Ireland provides to communities all around Ireland, including family members and friends who are seeking help and information to support their LGBTQI+ loved ones.
It became fully funded for the first time in 2022 when SSE Airtricity announced its partnership with LGBT Ireland, allowing the service to remain free of charge and provide support to those who need it most, seven days a week. The partnership has continued through 2023 and has allowed LGBT Ireland to further promote its services through radio and digital channels.
LGBT Ireland Football Takeover
The Football Takeover was a particular highlight this year. In advance of Pride month, with the support of their partners at the FAI, SSE Airtricity dedicated its sponsorship branding of the League of Ireland to promote the national LGBT+ helpline services.
The LGBT Ireland takeover of SSE Airtricity’s league branding took place at four of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division, Men’s First Division and the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division games on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 May, 2023. As title sponsor of the Men’s Premier, First and Women’s Premier Division, SSE Airtricity together with the FAI, offered their existing and new sponsorship spaces at the clubs to promote the LGBT+ National Helpline within the clubs and among fans and the community.
The two organisations also encouraged clubs to work together on promoting their shared values of inclusion and diversity, following previous initiatives by SSE Airtricity and the League of Ireland to promote diversity and inclusion. “It’s an absolute pleasure to work with our partners at LGBT Ireland, Ashley Morrow said. “Our work certainly doesn’t end here, and we’re excited for what’s still to come!”
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10/10/2023