Testimonials
When I was forced to retire from work due to a road traffic accident in 1993 I found myself short of things to do. Due to multiple injuries my ability is quite limited. I did find myself helping out in my garden at home, whether it be litter picking or collecting fallen twigs and leaves from the trees. I then thought about what I could do to cure my restlessness and volunteering to help out with environmental things crossed my mind. Then I came across FLVC Flintshire Local Voluntary Council. I made an appointment to find out what was on offer for environmental enthusiasts. My first option was a beach clean in Talacre, this was organised by Keep Wales Tidy. Next I heard about a local project called Digging Deeside which happened to be only a stone throw away from my home. Since voluntarily working with Digging Deeside I’ve met plenty of new faces and I’ve made new friends. Digging Deeside helps me to get out and socialise with local people and to get involved with worthwhile projects to help my local community.
We worked with Rainbow Biz at Manchester Pride 2014, when they brought their Rainbow Trike to join us on the parade. Sue and Sarah were an absolute pleasure to work with, they were so helpful in planning and on the day and really worked within our brief. We wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them – they were organised, helpful and nothing was too much for them to do.
I write to convey my full support for RainbowBiz in their efforts to stage the North East Wales Diversity Festival. The festival looks set to become a flagship event for the area, encompassing and celebrating all of the rich strands of our communities.
In the months I have known RainbowBiz’s directors Sue Oliver and Sarah Way I have found them to be friendly, capable and energetic with great skills in the areas of social inclusion, business, events organisation, marketing and social media.
I recently visited one of RainbowBiz’s projects Digging Deeside and found it to be extremely worthwhile. The project has brought together a vast array of people in a shared effort to plant and maintain their allotment patch as well as maintain Connah’s Quay community gardens. People who can be isolated in society have benefited from the social contact, sense of purpose, fresh air and exercise they receive.
RainbowBiz ran the promotional campaign for the popular Connah’s Quay Festival and recently held the inaugural Flintshire Flicks event which was a raging success. I’m confident that the professionalism and flair they have displayed thus far will help make North East Wales Diversity Festival a successful and important event for the area – one well worth being associated with.
I have been working with Sue and Sarah on several projects recently and although I have only known them for a relatively short space of time, I am extremely impressed with some of the work they have achieved for their local community to date. In my short time of working with Sue and Sarah they have already demonstrated key qualities, hard working, enthusiastic and a positive approach to any situation but more than anything they are inspiring! Sue and Sarah bring many benefits to our team and committees, they always encourages other members, even if problems are raised. Their wide experience allows them to offer constructive advice. People feel comfortable and at ease with their dynamic approach; albeit in many cases astoundingly diverse. You quickly become a friend and hold them dear in your thoughts; due to their bubbly and friendly personalities. They could not offend anyone. Both Sue and Sarah have a loving nature and are very genuine down to earth people. I am very honoured to be able work with them both. I learn from their many marketing and social networking skills. They are very much an inspiration!
My names Chris Unsworth out of the band ‘Faster Than Bulls’ and we are playing your wonderful festival this year… We truly cannot wait to be a part of it and feel we have been treated so well since we started corresponding with Sue and Sarah a couple of months ago! They really are doing a sterling job and thousands of so called promoters throughout the UK could learn a valuable lesson from them on how to promote an event properly… There are far too many uninspiring, lacklustre promoters out there who just expect things to happen but these girls are using their skills brilliantly to maximise the full potential of your festival! This excites us and already makes us giddy to be involved – I mean, there’s a month to go and there’s over 1300 people confirmed on Facebook already! Could that be over 2,000? I think so! AND I know from experience that a lot of people don’t respond to social media so this could easily be more!! Anyway – They’re doing amazing work, just thought I’d say ? Cheers
I’ve had the pleasure of working with many types of LGBT groups, organisations, charities and entertainers throughout my years as a Drag act, but joining the Rainbow Biz girls for an event on Manchester’s famous Canal Street was one of the most unique and fun experiences I’ve had to date. We took a tour around the Gay Village at the head of a walking parade, my first time on this type of vehicle, and it is a very impressive piece of machinery! I have to say, I’m not the best traveller, but with Sue at the helm I felt totally safe, and there is no better place to get noticed than on the back of that trike. With rainbow flags flying from back of it, the girls created a real spectacle and sense of carnival, what a fabulous presence Rainbow Biz are at events. A must have for every Pride parade too. Highly recommended.
I was recently asked to be an interviewee for a local History Project in Connah’s Quay High School by local social enterprise RainbowBiz. I found the day at Connah’s Quay High School very worthwhile, the organisation of the workshop by RainbowBiz was superb. The young people were very interested in what RainbowBiz had to tell them about the history of Connah’s Quay.
We first met Sue and Sarah back in October 2013 when we were introduced to them by the Connah’s Quay Town Centre Manager. They are both very professional about their business. They have been extremely helpful through the Social Media (Facebook / Twitter / My Donate) promoting our Scout Group and the need for the NEW ROOF that we desperately need. They also are in the process of helping us with our own Web page to enable us to contact all our one hundred families in the Connah’s Quay Scout Group. They have given their time, at first becoming acquainted with the Leaders and the Sections they run. Then attending quite a number of meetings the Scout Group have held. They have looked into our needs and made many suggestions as to how we can apply for funding for our roof. RainbowBiz have helped other people in the community by assisting them with their Social Media skills and advertising their local events. The Connah’s Quay Scout Group will always be indebted to them for all the time and help they have given us.
The following comments have been provided as anonymous nominations for the National Diversity Awards. We are very humbled by all of these testimonials:
“RainbowBiz are a registered non profit organisation and are positive, inclusive role models of diversity in North Wales. RainbowBiz staff and volunteers run a number of different projects which all promote equality, diversity and inclusion in Flintshire. Projects include running a weekly gardening project attracting people from all walks of life, referrals from drug and alcohol services, Scope, Mencap, Mind, Social Services, local voluntary councils and self referrals. The gardening project is accessible for people from all protected characteristic groups and is a safe space for people to meet in healthy outdoor environment. RainbowBiz volunteers are enabled to work as a team, gain new skills to run monthly well-being fairs and festivals which are all free for visitors to attend. RainbowBiz run a large annual festival “North East Wales Diversity Festival” and with response to feedback from last year’s event are now organising the first Flintshire Pride event to be held on May 27th.”
“RainbowBiz is an outstanding charity that is run by wonderful and friendly people. The work they do in the community is inspirational and open to everyone.”
“Because they support diversity and difference, and organisations like Rainbow Biz are needed to be, especially in this world today.”
“RainbowBiz help the community so much and help people, they give so much of there time to help others and put 100% into there work”
“Great, loads of music events and more for the local community.”
“They are a true force for good within the local community. There are many people whose lives are much enhanced by the work they do. They really have brightened and lifted the community. They are so full of energy and genuine concern and compassion for everyone”
“They do so much for charity, always wanting to help people”
“Very much admire this organisation who strive to involve local communities in inclusive and diverse ways, accepting all peoples, supporting and enabling individuals to realise their own futures and destiny.”
“Amazing social enterprise definitely worth getting involved with!”
“Amazing charity. Help with the local community. Very hard working deserve all help amd support t carry on their good work”
“They are truly inspirational”
“RainbowBiz are an excellent social enterprise, offering brilliant community projects. They offer loads of volunteering opportunities for everyone. They are so diverse and welcome everyone. As a gay woman they have been wonderful in welcoming me into the local community.”
“They embrace the local community with a total commitment to highlighting the positivity of diversity!!”
“Rainbow Biz go above and beyond to recognise Equality and Diversity and bring people together peacefully in a world full of judgement and hate with countless innovative events. Well deserving winners of this award!”
“I have voted for this company because their drive, determination and dedication in representing diverse groups is second to none. I have followed their progress over the last 3 years and have the upmost admiration and respect for the way that they have conducted themselves. Keep going guys and keep up the excellent work. Xx”
“I met the team RainbowBiz, through their medium of regular Mind Body Spirit events, of which I am a stallholder, exhibiting and treating the public my healing system, the art of Traditional Chinese Massage (Tui Na). Their platform, enables me to engage the public, and display this healing art, very much in the spirit of the other diverse systems and beliefs, on display at these shows. “Team” RainbowBiz, are thoroughly dedicated at what they do, and have always welcomed me, and taken genuine interest in my progress. I travel 50 miles to attend, because it fits my aims and they always make me welcome.”
“Because is a great organization!”
“I am voting for this organisation because it represents the very things that we need to encourage, support and preserve in the face of the increasing tide of misunderstanding, prejudice, bigotry and hatred sweeping the country. Every human of whatever race, creed, gender or religion deserves to be able to live an open and un-threatened life in the UK. I am an amateur singer/songwriter guitarist playing solo, or with others in bands, writing, performing and recording my own songs – and covering other songwriters work. All profits from my music are donated to a charity for sufferers of M.E. I was delighted to be invited to appear at the NE Wales Diversity Festival last year, and again this year.”
“RainbowBiz is an outstanding organisation within Flintshire, supporting not only diversification but wider community group activities. RainbowBiz provides support to other community and social enterprise organisations across the county and region to generate economic activity in partnership. I have no hesitation in supporting their nomination and wish them well in all of their achievements.”
“Great charity”
“From the very first day until today this organisation has believed in giving back to the community, supporting all walks of people and giving them a voice, an environment to feel valued and encouraging them to go beyond.”
“They are a really good at what they do, they do a lot for the community”
“One of the brightest, busiest and caring organisations you could ever wish for.”
“It’s a fantastic group of people who do wonderful things within the community.”
“This is an amazing charity with amazing people behind it I truly hope they win they do so much for the community”
“These two ladies have changed the world for so many people! They definitely deserve an award!”
“Just love RainbowBiz. Great people. Love you Sarah & Sue Xxx “
“They have such a personally inclusive ethos and there ventures always give local minority disenfranchised people a chance to belong and take part”
“Fabulous, hard working and selfless xxx”
“Very friendly and colourful. I love RainbowBiz!”
“These guys are absolute business visionaries. They represent everything that underpins diversity & positive culture. They are without a doubt among the most selfless team we have ever had the pleasure of working alongside and make us feel very proud. They support all business ventures no matter the theme or how big or small with infectious dynamism & optimism. They are impeccable ambassadors to diversity who work tirelessly to represent and impregnate an ethos and mantra of diversity in all their endeavours. Very worthy winners!”
“RainbowBiz do everything they can for all the community. They organise diversity festivals, run a community cinema club etc They deserve some recognition for all the hard work they do.”
“These guys do an amazing job in our local area and fully deserve this vote. From festivals to fairs to Digging Deeside to cinema night they’ve got it.”
“Because they’re fabulous!”
“They have transformed the Flintshire area and put it on the map”
“Achieving equality in a diverse community. Well done!”
“I have volunteered with RainbowBiz for a number of years now. By doing so, I have met so many wonderful people within my local community of whom I would never have met otherwise. They have helped me to see my self worth and grow in confidence. They are so worthy of winning an award for the hard work they do to put on events in our community and surrounding areas, and helping to make everyone feel included and welcome regardless of ability, identity, ethnicity.”
“They are a wonderful group of people who organize and manage fabulous events. They promote diversity and equality by their every action and word, with their employment of volunteers with disabilities right through to their non-judgmental accepting and very friendly attitude and actions toward everybody they come into contact with. There never seems to be anything they are not prepared to do to boost and help others.”
“This inclusive organisation really encompasses all diverse protected characteristic groups and more besides. RainbowBiz volunteers are a fantastic group of individuals who make a powerful life changing team.”
“Amazing group of people who work tirelessly 7 days a week for the community”
“Doing alot for the community of Flintshire. Promoting equality and diversity, also setting up the first ever Flintshire Pride.”
“The work that RainbowBiz does is invaluable to the local community and the volunteers too. Every event and project welcomes people from all kinds of backgrounds and helps to encourage health, wellbeing and inclusiveness.”
“They are a very giving organisation. They do so much for the community and the LGBT individuals. Organising festivals, gardening, health days including mindful help for all”
“Because of all the good work they do in North Wales promoting equality and diversity and bringing visibility of the lgbtq community to the wider community as a whole”
“Amazing organisation who deserve recognition for their outstanding contribution to diversity x”
“RainbowBiz just GIVE with enthusiasm and friendliness. They are extremely hardworking and contribute enormously to the community. Their events are fun. But it isn’t all about the business…they established a gardening scheme at local allotments which not only delivers ‘the goods’ provides a place where helpers can meet and develop friendship and confidence.”
“I’m voting for this organisation as Sarah and Sue are aspiring individuals who work tirelessly for equality in all areas of all lives. I love their holistic approach to life and work. I’m a gay female who has faced adversity in my personal and professional life, be that personal to me, my friends, family or client base. If there were a team like Sue and Sarah in every town I believe respect for diversity would increase massively. I wish them all the luck in this award category and for their futures.”
“Incredible group of people who are always willing to help others no matter what their level of (dis)ability, colour, creed, sexuality. Wonderful and friendly, RainbowBiz organize, manage and create wonderful and diverse events.”
“RainbowBiz is run by the most amazingly positive people I’ve met! Working very hard to bring inclusion and diversity to the people of North East Wales. Their annual Diversity festival is going from strength to strength.”
“Very hard workers for equality and diversity. I support them in their aims.”
“RainbowBiz do a fantastic job of helping the community with their many projects, bringing people together from all walks of life they believe in individuals and what they can achieve through inclusion diversity and respect.”
“I believe in the things all us volunteers are trying to achieve and I think it is a great cause”
“I vote for Rainbow Biz because they are a very local social enterprise and do great work within my community.”
“After surviving my fight for life against the odds my multiple injuries made me a prisoner in my home. It took many years of rehabilitation not only for me to learn how to walk again but also to understand how much my life had changed because of brain damage. Spending a very long time sitting at home wondering what my new life had in store for me became depressing. My head hurting so much because it had no idea of what to do or whether or not my life was worthy anymore. I was very scared to go outside on my own, each time that I went outside and beyond my garden gate I needed somebody to be with me. All of a sudden I wanted to do things not for myself but for others. The thought of volunteering came into my mind because in most cases volunteers work in groups whether it be conservation work, community projects. Helping my own community appealed to me. In the local media id often seen a social enterprise called RainbowBiz were asking for volunteers to join their not for profit social enterprise. As I read about RainbowBiz I liked what I read, this local enterprise run various projects throughout the year. Anybody and everybody were welcome to join this organization because diversity, equality and Inclusion is very important to RainbowBiz, everybody whoever you are, you are made to feel welcome There a community gardening project called ‘Digging Deeside’ where I and other volunteers learn the basics of gardening and caring for nature and its wildlife. In a group like this socializing, exercise are very important for well being. Another project called ‘Mind Body and Spirits Craft Fair is great too because it helps me to interact with customers, handling cash and setting stalls up. RainbowBiz are organizing the first ever North East Wales Diversity Festival, all of the volunteers and myself are very much looking forward to this, as are the whole of Wales. RainbowBiz promote diversity, inclusion and love! RainbowBiz give and open their arms to everybody! RainbowBiz welcome every colour, whether your black, white, able bodied or disabled, straight or gay. RainbowBiz have helped many people to cope, survive and conquer. RainbowBiz are the brightest colours in our sky. RainbowBiz have helped me to rid of my demons.”
“Very active in my community.”
“It’s run by lovely people.”
“RainbowBiz are an amazing social enterprise operating for the benefit of the LGBT community and within the nine protected characteristics within Flintshire. They tirelessly promote equality and diversity through a whole range of community based projects and activities. They have developed a huge volunteer force which has they have capacity built in terms of skills and confidence to take ownership of the organisation’s activities as well as provide mutual support to each other As an organisation they work effectively with other social enterprises in Flintshire to deliver joint outcomes for some of the most disengaged members of the community They are a shining example of how to engage with hard to reach or even ‘invisible’ people who, otherwise would not be engaged in any activity. RainbowBiz never seek accolades for their work in favour of using their resources to improve the quality of life for their volunteers and beneficiaries. Should RainbowBiz win this award it would go a long way to recognising the amount of work and commitment shown on a daily basis by Sue and Sarah and the incredible results they are achieving”
“They are an excellent non profit organisation who strive for perfection in their events and care for local talents.”