Happy Valley Pride's wonderful Chair of 5 years, Jenn Wilson, is stepping down.
When Jenn joined, we were a group of trustees working endless volunteer hours, quickly running out of capacity. Recognising this was not sustainable, they began a major movement of transformational change for the charity. Under Jenn's dynamic steer, we have shifted to a sustainable model of operating, resulting in engagement more than tripling from 3,000 to 10,645 in 2025; doubling the number of schools we work and winning 3-year's funding from the National Lottery and Calderdale Council.
These achievements are enormous, and we look back fondly and with endless gratitude as they have been hard won. But for the first time ever, we can move into a new era of sustainability.
Thank you so much, Jenn Wilson. We will miss your leadership and compassion, but we're thrilled that you will still be a major part of Happy Valley Pride, as our brand new Allyship Associate, as you also now have much needed time to focus on your new projects via your groundbreaking organisation https://irregular.org.uk/irregular-arts/
We love you!
STATEMENT FROM JENN:
After five years it’s time for me to pass on the role of Chair of the Trustees at Happy Valley Pride to someone who can lead the organisation into it’s second decade.
I’ve been privileged to lead the organisation as it’s developed its reputation and impact and leave the role with three years’ core resources in place to support the small, professional team.
Happy Valley Pride is now an exemplary queer arts organisation, with a year-round programme of events that serve not only the LGBTQIA+ communities and their allies in Calderdale, but also visitors from across the UK and beyond. Our pioneering youth programme reaches primary and secondary schools and is led by our own young people, with the Youth Pride Takeover at the Big Day Out as a unique celebration of diversity. Campaigns and projects including Mind Your Head and Stand By Your Trans help to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our community get support. The annual week-long festival brings the highest quality LGBTQIA+ artists out from the big city venues to the towns of Hebden and Todmorden, so the people of rural Yorkshire can be inspired right here on the doorstep.
These achievements have come about due to huge efforts from staff (often working additional volunteer hours), and a generous and talented group of volunteers including my dedicated fellow Trustees.
As I step down, I am especially proud of the work we have done to clarify what Happy Valley Pride stands for. Practicing our core values as Queer, Creative, Authentic, Compassionate, Accountable - in everything we do. This has helped us secure 3 years of funding from National Lottery. I feel like now is the right time to hand over the reigns to someone who has fresh energy and time to dedicate to the organisation.
I‘m thrilled to continue working with Happy Valley Pride in an associate role, focussing on access and allyship.
Jenn Wilson They/Them - Chair of Trustees