Ashley Poucher (He/Him) is a dedicated community advocate, passionate inclusion champion, and one of the founding figures behind Loughborough Pride.

After experiencing life-changing health challenges in 2023, following many years working within the NHS, Ashley found himself at a significant turning point in life. Rather than allowing this difficult period to define him, he chose to turn his experiences into purpose, using the challenges he had faced to inspire positive change and provide meaningful support to others within the community.

In early 2024, Ashley established Loughborough Pride (not-for-profit) alongside a committed team of volunteers. Ashley wants to give back to the local community by providing support, visibility, and opportunities for the LGBT+ community. Ashley’s passion for equality, diversity, and inclusion is shaped by both personal experience and a deep belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, respected, and accepted for who they are.

Through Loughborough Pride, Ashley works closely with young people, community groups, charitable organisations, and individuals who may be facing barriers, isolation, discrimination, or uncertainty. He is particularly passionate about supporting people by creating more inclusive spaces, offering guidance, encouragement, and understanding. Ashley recognises the importance of listening to lived experience and ensuring that all voices are included, respected, and supported.

Ashley’s work focuses on building confidence, creating opportunities, encouraging collaboration, and empowering people to shape brighter futures. For him, Pride is not simply a celebration that happens once a year, but a year-round commitment to inclusion, kindness, support, education, and lasting positive change.

Ashley lives in Leicester with his partner and their six cats. Away from his community work, he enjoys spending time outdoors in his off-road wheelchair and has a passion for photographing wildlife and landscapes with his Nikon camera.

Ashley is honoured to have been invited to become a Pride365 Champion and is committed to using this opportunity to continue promoting inclusion, supporting underrepresented communities, and inspiring others to help create a fairer, more compassionate, and more accepting society for all.