LGBTQ+ Community Network Newsletter
Monday, 30th October 2023Good Morning,
LGBT Foundation Newsletter: New edition will be out on Monday,
- Keep up to date on ground-breaking work.
- Keep you posted about their campaigns and relevant news.
- Provide you with information on opportunities to support them, including training, fundraising and volunteering.
Sign up here to keep up to date:
https://form.jotform.com/230372875895369
Save The Date: A Festive Celebration of the LGBTQ+ Community. Monday 18th December, 7-9pm
The Proud Trust, akt, LGBT Foundation, George House Trust and Manchester Pride are coming together for a festive gathering of Greater Manchester’s LGBT+ community at Manchester Cathedral – a space for celebration and inclusion.
We are stronger when everyone is included, and this event will be a celebration of all within our wonderfully diverse LGBT+ community.
Please join us for a joyful evening of Carols and readings.
This is a free event, with donations made on the evening supporting The Proud Trust, akt, LGBT Foundation and George House Trust charities, who work hard to keep our community safe and strong.
Donations can also be made when booking a ticket.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if there is anything we can do to make your visit more comfortable, email us: [email protected].
Read the weekly newsletter from Canal St Manchester:
https://www.canal-st.co.uk/canal-st-online-newsletter
LGBTQ+ Weekly Bulletin from Reach (Manchester Evening News)
https://e.reachplc.com/interface/external_view_email.php?RE6516714673719119zzzzz649f5ed962641fb55031b5e82de1747d57ebf291929652fcdf7168531a7d465d7a&varId=
Forever Manchester: For Funding & Fundraising
https://email-forevermanchester.com/557N-VO8D-5BBAECC4490813D81WGZE8161DBAAEF28BCFA7/cr.aspx
I Love Manchester: Events Not to Miss
https://ilovemanchester.com/
Consortium: For Stronger LGBT+ Communities Funding News: October
https://mailchi.mp/0e5a52ff11f1/funding-news-jun23-8373481?e=4ef77ba796
GM Equality Alliance Bulletin: Issue 76, October 2023
https://www.gmcvo.org.uk/civicrm/mailing/view?reset=1&id=9721
Update on the Russell Road, LGBTQ+ Majority Extra Care Schme:
https://mailchi.mp/1ba281fd7c64/community-update?e=b878a1f2d6
A Message from Proud 2B Parents: Partner with us… Read more:
https://mailchi.mp/d9a4cc19abe2/partnerwithus?e=c3332628fc
Fighting With Pride October Newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/6524fd2b1610/fighting-with-pride-october-2023-newsletter
Reminder To Register For The Next Fighting With Pride Town Hall
The next FWP evening update Zoom briefing will take place at 18:30 on Monday 30th October 2023.
The Town Hall will include an update from Craig and Caroline, a briefing update on participation in National Day of Remembrance ceremonies and the Age UK-FWP collaboration Op STERLING, helping LGBT+ Veterans access financial support and other services that Age UK can provide.
Veteran feedback from the last Townhall…“The Town Hall was relaxed, a comfortable environment….good to listen to other people, and it was informative.”
If you have yet to register and would like to join them, you can do so HERE.
Please note that you will receive an email that provides you with a direct link to join the event once your registration is confirmed. You should get confirmation within 48 hours of registering. If you don’t see the email, please check your spam/junk mail folder. Any issues, please email events@fightingwithpride.org.uk
Remembrance Sunday is just around the corner, LGBT Foundation Operation Equality and Fighting With Pride would love support from our LGBT+ Veterans or Serving Personnel throughout Greater Manchester. The Main Event is centred around the Cenotaph in Manchester City Centre, we have been invited to form part of the official parade to the Cenotaph.
It was only 2 years ago that LGBT Veterans who were discharged between 1967 – 2000 were invited to march at the cenotaph in London as part of the remembrance service on Sunday 14th November, which is thanks to Fighting with Pride
I have secured tickets for refreshments in the Central Library, post parade and then maybe go for a drink or 2 in the City Centre.
For more info – please contact me directly: [email protected]
Gaydio have announced that The Gaydio Pride Awards 2024 with Hilton will take place on Friday 16th February 2024 – with nominations Now Open and will close on Wednesday 15th November – giving members of the public the opportunity to shine a light on the people, charities, events and organisations that are making a positive difference to the lives of the LGBTQ+ community across the UK. Nominees will then be whittled down to a shortlist and an eventual winner by a panel of independent community judges.
The 2024 ceremony will be dedicated to recognising and celebrating the efforts made to better LGBTQ+ lives in the UK – with a focus on regional and grassroots efforts whilst giving thanks to the unsung heroes within the community.
This year, 13 categories will be open to nominees across the country, including –
- Grassroots Pride of the Year with Brsk
- LGBTQ+ Young Business Person of the Year with DPD
- LGBTQ+ Influencer of the Year with Boohoo
- Pride Organisation of the Year with MSLHire.co.uk
- Music Artist of the Year with Schuh
- Volunteer of the Year
- Venue or Event of the Year
- Charity of the Year
- LGBTQ+ Enterprise Award
- Pride Network of the Year
- LGBTQ+ Club or Sports Team of the Year
- Outstanding Entertainment Contribution
- Lifetime Achievement with Circle Health Group
For more information, to nominate and to buy tickets for the event head to gaydioprideawards.co.uk and keep an eye on Gaydio’s socials (@gaydio) for announcements and updates.
Manchester Frontrunners: Sunday Social Runs for Women, Trans & Non-Binary Runners
Manchester Frontrunners are proud to announce a new series of special monthly social Sunday runs for women, non-binary and trans runners. These easy social 5K runs, followed by cake or lunch, will be taking place at different locations across the Manchester area every month, starting at Alexandra Park at 11 am on Sunday 22nd October & Sunday 26th November.
As well as current club members, they’re also happy to invite anyone who may be interested in running with them. If interested, please e-mail: [email protected] for more info.
The EY Foundation and Youth Advisory Board are pleased to invite you to an exciting event, ‘Overcoming Barriers: The Future of Work for Young People’
This event, facilitated by members of the Youth Advisory Board, will draw upon the youth voice work of the EY Foundation over the last year, and question what is the future of work for young people from low-income backgrounds?
Paying particular attention to technological developments, participants will hear from young people and experts about their experiences with these changes. The event will explore the impact these advances will have on this group of young people, and what we could do to overcome these potential barriers, for employers and young people alike.
Date: Thursday 2nd November 2023
Time: 3pm-5pm
Location: 2 St. Peter’s Square, Manchester, M2 3DF
Hope to see you there for some interesting discussions.
To RSVP for this event, please click here!
The Whitworth art Gallery are showing the short film Permissible Beauty, 2nd November 6pm.
Permissible Beauty, is a short film that responds to the absence of Black Queer visibility in our national story, exploring and celebrating what is unique about British Black and Queer identity.
The link to the Eventbrite is:
Black Beetle Health Health Equity and Advocacy Conference
LGBTQ+ BPoC Health Equity and Advocacy Conference
Dates: Thursday 16th and Friday 17th November
Time: 9:30am-4pm
Location: Wilson Suite, Holiday Inn, 25 Aytoun St, Manchester M1 3DT
Attendee tickets: Free
Exhibitor tickets: Between £30 and £50 for a table at the conference, depending on your organisation (see below for more info)
The two-day event will cover our programme, H.E.A.T (Health Equity and Advocacy Training).
This accredited 7-module course is designed for practitioners engaging with LGBTQ+ Black and People of Colour across health, wellbeing and equality.
They developed H.E.A.T. to: Facilitate improved understanding of the issues that contribute to health disparities for LGBTQ+ BPoC, Create a space for meaningful discussion around the decolonisation of theories and practices that have impacted LGBTQ+ BPoC in healthcare.
Exhibiting at the Conference
They will also have an exhibitor space at our conference for any health, wellbeing or equity organisations and grassroots groups to share information and resources.
Tables are limited and prices range from £30 to £50, based on the size of your organisation.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lgbtq-bpoc-health-equity-and-advocacy-conference-tickets-727371266037?aff=oddtdtcreator
LGBTQ+ Mental Health Webinar Focussed Upon Eating Difficulties. If anyone is interested in this area, here’s the link to find out more. CPD/attendance certificates provided! Do get in touch ([email protected]) if you have any questions:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/693544148217?aff=oddtdtcreator
Pride in Leadership is a UK-wide network of over 1,000 LGBTQ+ business leaders and allies from across all sectors, shapes and sizes of organisation – www.prideinleadership.co.uk. It’s run by Matt Haworth & Claire Ebrey.
Christmas networking on 22 November. For both events, use the promo code early10 for a little discount. https://prideinleadership.co.uk/upcoming-events/
LGBT Foundation “The Community Café”
Every Saturday, 12pm – 4pm
Have a brew and a chat with other LGBTQ+ people at their sober space, located in the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village
Fairbairn House, 2nd Floor, 72 Sackville Street, Manchester M1 3NJ
www.lgbt.foundation
The Rainbow Lottery is the UK’s first weekly lottery that raises money for the LGBTQ+ community. Their hope is to make a difference to our over 100 good causes across the country, so they can carry on their vital work – which helps us all.
For more info: www.rainbowlottery.co.uk To start supporting causes in OUR community purchase your ticket here:
https://www.rainbowlottery.co.uk/referral/1754044334/1961609853
LGBTQ+ Coffee Mornings Tuesdays 10.30am – 12.30pm Ladybarn
Tea & Toast, Monthly Speakers, Everyone Welcome, £2 Donation, Ladybarn Community Hub, Royle St, M14 6RN
Village Church
A safe place for LGBTQ+ folk and allies welcome, loved & cherished just as we are
2nd & 4th Sunday of every month at 4pm (doors open from 3.30pm)
at The LGBT Foundation, Fairburn House (2nd Floor), 72, Sackville Street,
Manchester. M1 3NJ
All Are Welcome – Just Turn Up!
Contact: Paul on 07561 471185 or [email protected]
LGBTQ+ Inclusion Training with LGBT Foundation
The LGBT Foundation Training Academy runs ten-modules focused on LGBTQ+ inclusion
I just wanted to introduce you to LGBT Foundation’s Training Academy, which is for anyone wanting to increase their knowledge and confidence of LGBTQ+ inclusion at work, at home and in the community.
They offer a range of modules and packages to support your learning, no matter how much prior knowledge and experience you have with LGBTQ+ people.
Training modules are online, live, interactive group sessions with the opportunity to ask questions throughout and anonymously.
By completing all 10 Modules individuals have the opportunity to become a Champion and receive an award of Bronze, Silver or Gold as recognition of their learning. They can also become a member of The Training Academy Champion Alumni Network. They’ve worked with a diverse range of organisations in the public and public sector and all have reported high satisfaction rates, increased knowledge and confidence and feel more equipped to support their LGBT customers and colleagues.
“As an older, cis, straight person, I have had little personal contact with the LGBT community until the last few years. And with a passion for inclusion, this was something I really needed to remedy. However, I was really anxious about getting things wrong, and this made me hesitate about even applying. I’m so glad I did!” – Training Academy Champion
For more information go to Training Academy: get in touch with them at [email protected] or fill in the enquiry form here if you’d like more information.
Proud 2 b Parents Training:
Proud 2 b Parents offers a range of training to support your organisational development in regards to the inclusion of LGBT+ parents/ carers and their children, whilst providing practical ways to develop and change practice. Our training has been developed through research and the lived experiences of our service beneficiaries. They have shared their own experiences and wanted to ensure service change, inclusivity and affirming LGBT+ environments were at the heart of our training packages. We also know that our training builds, ‘Confidence in working with LGBT+ clients’, whilst providing insight and ‘understanding of how difficult and challenging it has been for parents/carers’.
“The training has given me more confidence in asking questions sensitively to gather an understanding of a family and not feel that I am expected to always know the answer/circumstances. It’s OK to ask.” Said one attendee.
Here’s an overview of some of their training packages:
Including LGBT+ Parents/Carers and Their Children Training:
Target Audience: Health care settings, service providers, corporate organisations, and family based services
Focus: This specialised training program equips participants with the knowledge and skills to create safe spaces for LGBT+ parents, carers, and their children. It emphasises understanding the unique challenges faced by these families and provides practical tools for inclusive practices.
Including LGBT+ Adopters and Foster Carers Training:
Target Audience: Adoption and fostering agencies.
Focus: Tailored for professionals working in adoption and fostering agencies, this training program addresses the specific needs of LGBT+ adopters and foster carers. Participants gain insights into creating supportive environments for LGBT+ individuals navigating the adoption and fostering processes.
Trauma-Informed Practice, Including LGBT+ Parents/Carers and Their Children Training:
Target Audience: All service-providing agencies and organizations working with families and children.
Focus: This training delves into trauma-informed practices, emphasising the intersectionality of trauma and the LGBTQ+ community. Participants learn how to approach service delivery with sensitivity, understanding the impact of trauma on LGBT+ parents, carers, and their children, and how to create an LGBT+ affirming environment
Wigan: A Fair & Inclusive Borough: All Different All Equal
A decade ago, Wigan Council re-imagined their relationship with their residents and their approach. A movement for change emerged – ‘The Deal’.
A key principle cross-cutting all priorities is fairness and inclusion, ensuring everyone has the same opportunities and people feel like they belong and are included.
This equality engagement project – All different, All equal.
To build on the new era conversations to identify the next steps in working together for a better borough, the Wigan Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering group (a voluntary, community, faith, public and social enterprise network to champion equality within the borough), supported by Wigan Council, and the projects facilitators (Happy Smiles CIC and Everything Human Rights) are hosting this engagement project to build a fairer and more inclusive borough.
The difference it will make
The engagement project aims to co-design a new Wigan borough approach to address inequalities, celebrate diversity and promote inclusion by:
- understanding our communities better
- understanding where inequality exists, how it is experienced and how we can work together to address it
- to agree a set of boroughwide priorities we can work on together.
There will be many ways that you can get involved.
- Phase one, will be open conversations with all residents and partners to collect initial ideas, thoughts and hopes. This will be done through a survey, outreach engagement, talks with community groups and stakeholder conversations.
- Phase two, will be an event and further targeted conversations to learn more about the key themes heard during phase one.
- Phase three, will be conversations on prioritising actions identified in phase one and two.
Background information
They understand that the meaning and understanding of equality, inclusion and diversity can differ from person to person. However, they thought it may be useful to try to offer an example of what they could mean, to add a little background to the engagement.
- Equality, is about ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents. It is also the belief that no one should have poorer life chances because of the way they were born, where they come from, what they believe, or whether they have a disability.
- Inclusion, is the culture in which the mix of people can come together, feel comfortable and confident to be themselves, and work in a way that suits them . Inclusion will ensure that everyone feels valued.
- Diversity, is about what makes each of us unique. This can include our backgrounds, life experiences, perspectives and beliefs, all things that make us who we are. This could include age, sex, socioeconomic background, religion, education, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, faith and life experience.
Register here for the event:
https://participate.wigan.gov.uk/en-GB/events/a8363b62-8cd9-4598-85fb-3e8f5a24c200
The Hebden Bridge Film Festival, has announced that the 4th edition of the festival will take place from March 15 – 17, 2024 in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. This year’s launch film will be “Tish” shown at the Hebden Bridge Picture House on Thursday 30 November 2023 at 7:00pm. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Paul Sng in conversation with Louise Wadley from the Hebden Bridge Film Festival.
For more information about Hebden Bridge Film Festival, please contact:
Nicole Lyons
07747027709
Facebook: HebdenBridgeFilmFestival
X (Twitter): @hbfilmfestival
Instagram: hebdenbridgefilm
Survey / Study / Consultation:
Victim Voice – GMCA Survey
We are committed to understanding the experiences of victims of crime from initially reporting the crime to the police and at various stages through the criminal justice system by establishing a GM wide victim survey.
We need your assistance to ensure that the questions that we ask in the survey are the correct ones and they are written in a way that is easily understood and properly examine the sensitive nature of different experiences.
Working with our survey provider, DJS research, we want to arrange a number of 1-1 discussions, to take place within the next couple of weeks with a range of different people who have been a victim of crime and have reported the crime to the police. The information from each of the sessions will remain anonymous and be brought together to develop a first draft of the survey questionnaire, which we will be happy to share with everyone who has taken part.
Thank you so much in anticipation of identifying any individuals from the LGBTQ+ community that you think would be willing to support us with this work appreciating that timescales are rather challenging! Please contact Lindsay Dunn, GMCA for further details [email protected]
Have you thought about HIV and COVID-19? Do you think they’re similar or different?
Hi, my name is Sophie and I work at The University of Edinburgh with Jaime Garcia-Iglesias on a project called ‘Viral Memories: from HIV to COVID-19 and Beyond’. The project explores gay men’s experiences of COVID-19 and memories of HIV.
We’re inviting gay men, living in the UK, aged 18-25 or aged 45+, to take part in an online confidential interview (lasting for around 1 hour).
There are no right or wrong answers and you do not need to have to have specific memories (or any memories of HIV at all!) to take part. We want to hear from everyone.
There’s more information about the project here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/usher/research/projects/viral-memories-from-hiv-to-covid-19-and-beyond
Interested in taking part? Then sign up here: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/edinburgh/testpiscf
Or, email Sophie ([email protected]) or Jaime ([email protected]).
If you register your interest, you’ll be entered into a raffle for the chance to win an £80 Amazon voucher. If you’re selected for an interview, you will be given a £20 Amazon voucher as a thank you.
Any questions, please feel free to contact Sophie ([email protected]) or Jaime ([email protected]).
Study ON LGBTQ+ Alcohol & Drug Use
My name is Matthew, and I’m a trainee psychologist – currently studying for my doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
If you are 18+ and live in the UK, and identify as LGBTQ+, please consider taking part in my research study about alcohol and substance use.
There is a distinct lack of research into alcohol and substance use that looks at the experiences of the separate sections of the LGBTQ+ population, and the past and present experiences that may shape the way in which substances are used. I hope to use my research to inform further our knowledge of the factors that influence alcohol and substance use for LGBTQ+ people and increase the way in which health services assess alcohol and substance difficulties for the LGBTQ+ population. You can take part in this study regardless of whether you drink alcohol or use recreational drugs.
The study is an anonymous survey and takes 10-15 minutes to complete: Please see attached:
https://uelpsych.eu.qualtrics.com/…/SV_6xLebFIbJGZbKYe
HERE-Bi is an eight-week, self-esteem therapy intervention for young bisexual people who have experienced non-suicidal self-injury urges, thoughts, or behaviours. The research study will be looking at how feasible the sessions are.
Are you..
- 16-25 years old?
- Identify as bisexual or as being attracted to more than one gender?
- Have experienced thoughts or urges to self-injure or have self-injured within the last 6 months?
- Able to attend an online group once a week for eight weekly sessions of 90-minutes?
Please email [email protected] for more information, or search @bisexualMH on Twitter for updates! Participants will be reimbursed for their time and participation.
Salford City Council:
Every two years Salford City Council asks residents about their key priorities. These priorities will shape how the council plans their annual budget and allocates resources.
They are currently refreshing these priorities to ensure they continue to reflect the needs and aspirations of local people and communities.
They are committed to ensuring residents are at the heart of everything they do, and this survey provides residents with an opportunity to get involved and have their say on the things that matter most to them.
The survey can be accessed here: https://shaping.salford.gov.uk and is short and easy to fill in.
Job Vacancies:
LGBT Foundation:
Find out about the latest job vacancies with the LGBT Foundation:
https://lgbt.foundation/jobs
Transport for Greater Manchester
As roll out of the Bee Network continues, TfGM are excited to be recruiting to a number of roles within TfGM’s Partnerships, Engagement and Inclusion team. The roles span all three specialisms within the team, but all have in common the core objective of helping to ensure the views of local communities and those who represent them are being understood and listened to in the way transport is planned and delivered in Greater Manchester.
In the Consultation and Inclusion specialism we’re recruiting two roles. This area of the team is responsible for TfGM fulfilling our statutory duties around consultation and equalities, as well as building effective relationships working with representative groups across GM and establishing effective codesign principles. Please get in touch with Lisa Williams ([email protected]) about either role.
- Consultation & Inclusion Manager | Job Details | greater jobs
- Consultation & Inclusion Officer | Job Details | greater jobs
They’re also recruiting a number of Partnerships and Engagement roles.
In the People and Place specialism, they’re recruiting to a permanent role which will be part of the existing team focused on partnership working with the ten GM Councils to put the voice of local communities at the heart of transport planning and delivery. Please get in touch with Jody Smith ([email protected]) about this role.
In the Business Engagement specialism, they have a 12-month FTC maternity leave cover opportunity. Please get in touch with Mark Thomas ([email protected]) about this role.
They are a Disability Confident employer and offer support and reasonable adjustments as required. TfGM are committed to being inclusive and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as our GM communities. However you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome your application.
For more information, please visit the links for each role included above or contact the named lead for each specialism for an informal chat. They’d also be really grateful for any support sharing the roles amongst your contacts and networks.
Volunteering Opportunities:
Just Like Us
Just Like Us are recruiting LGBT+ young adults aged 18-25 across England and Wales to become Just Like Us ambassadors and be the representation they needed when they were younger.
Just Like Us ambassadors deliver talks and share their stories in schools. In doing so they bring much needed representation to LGBT+ young people and empower non-LGBT+ pupils to be proactive allies. Ambassadors can also use their voice by writing articles for established publications like Gay Times, speak on panels, access specially designed skills workshops and an LGBT+ career mentoring programme. The opportunities are endless.
Perhaps best of all ambassadors form a supportive community of over 220 LGBT+ young adults all committed to building a more inclusive world.
“Just Like Us has given me community, amazing opportunities to step out into the professional sphere and the confidence to know that what I have to say can have a positive impact on others”- Alexa, Just Like Us ambassador.
If you or anyone in your networks might be interested you can sign up here to find out more about our upcoming volunteer training events (online and in person options available)
LGBT Foundation:
Are you passionate about supporting LGBT communities? Do you want to help LGBT Foundation create a fair and equal society where all lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people are able to reach their full potential? At LGBT Foundation we are happy to start recruitment again for volunteers to join our team as we continue to make a difference during the Coronavirus pandemic.
LGBT Foundation have a very simple motto – we’re here if you need us. And that applies to everyone in our beautifully diverse communities. If you’re young, we’re here for you; if you’re older, we’re here for you; if you’re a person of colour, we’re here for you; if you’re a man, a woman, or non-binary, we’re here for you; lesbian, gay, bi, trans – however you describe yourself – we’re here for you. If you need help, if you’re struggling, if you need a friendly face or reassuring voice, we are there for you if you need us. We are all family – and at LGBT Foundation, everyone is welcome.
Below you can find information on the programmes recruiting at the moment, the role profiles for the various different volunteering roles and how to apply. https://lgbt.foundation/regular-volunteering-roles
Canal St VIP Card:
Over recent weeks, several comments have been made about some difficulty in finding or checking which venue partners are listed with unique special offers for card holders to enjoy and benefit from.
So, they have simplified the process and it is now easier to quickly find your favoured venues as all are listed alphabetically.
They have also added some new card partner offers too.
Buying or renewing a card is also quicker to do.
Need to buy or renew your card? To buy card and phone together
They are delighted to confirm that they have made another donation to George House Trust this year, directly from increased sales of the card and phone covers.
Gay Pride Shop & The LGBTQ+ Book Shop
The UK’s largest LGBTQ+ store in located in Afflecks in Manchester city centre and online at www.gayprideshop.co.uk. Over 7000 items in stock, with their profits shared with Manchester charities. They also cater for large corporate orders, for items such as lanyards, flags and badges, with corporate discounts available. For corporate/business orders, please contact [email protected]
REWARD of up to £2,000 for key information on those involved in a series of attacks on the Clonezone Store in Manchester’s Gay Village.
Do you know anyone who was involved? Tell the independent charity Crime Stoppers what you know and stay 100% anonymous. www.crimestoppers-uk.org 0800 555111
If you feel that you no longer wish to receive these emails, PLEASE let me know, I would hate to think I am bombarding you with information that you don’t require and it is just blocking up your inbox. (I won’t be offended).
Remember, if you have events or information you wish to share across Greater Manchester then feel free to send that over to me to be included, I send this email out to over 2000 contacts which in turn gets sent out through their networks: [email protected]
Kind Regards
Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL
Pronouns: He / Him / His