THEGAYUK

Tag: Charity

All the latest breaking news on Charity. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on Charity.

  • Charity launches a forum for LGBT+ survivors of domestic abuse

    Charity launches a forum for LGBT+ survivors of domestic abuse

    Galop has launched a Domestic Abuse Survivor’s Forum as part of its National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline Service.

    The Forum, which will go live on Thursday, December 10th, 2020, is a safe, anonymous, online space for LGBT+ people who have been affected by domestic abuse. The forum will allow users to share their experiences, support one another and receive information and support from the team at the National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline. 

    According to the charity the forum will introduce peer-to-peer support for its users.

    Historically, domestic violence services have demonstrated how vital peer support spaces are for survivors of abuse. There are very few spaces where LGBT+ people can come together and share their experiences with abuse and receive support from those with the lived experience of being LGBT+. The LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Survivors Forum will provide this safe space for LGBT+ people to support one another.  

    How does the forum work and how are users kept safe? 

    The forum is accessible to all LGBT+ survivors of domestic abuse so that they can read valuable information about abuse even if they do not feel ready to register and post themselves. In order to keep every user of the forum anonymous, all posts are moderated before they are made visible on the forum. This includes checks for identifying information (which is then edited out), abusive or harmful behaviour, and on the welfare of the poster. 

    The helpline team moderators can see the e-mails of users, so we can reach out to anyone if we’re concerned about their welfare or their behaviour on the forum. Our central focus is ensuring the forum is always safe and supportive for everyone that uses it, and at every stage of design and development, the needs of domestic abuse survivors and their safety have been key. 

    If someone wants to register, they can click ‘Join’ at the top of the forum, enter some demographic information that helps us understand who is accessing the forum, and register with an e-mail address and username. This is then checked by the team to ensure they can’t be identified from the username. The user is then sent a confirmation link, which takes them to set their password. This means no user is ever e-mailed their login details.  

    We’d welcome all our partners and other agencies that work with LGBT+ and/or domestic abuse survivors to promote the forum to their clients and service users, or to other organisations who can share this with LGBT+ survivors of domestic abuse. 

  • Adam Lambert launches brand new LGBT+ Human Rights organisation

    Adam Lambert launches brand new LGBT+ Human Rights organisation

    Adam Lambert
    CREDIT: kathclick-bigstock
    • The hitmaker has launched a non-profit organisation in order to support LGBT+ human rights.
    • The organisation has “the vision to see LGBT+ communities of all ages and backgrounds enjoy full human rights within a fully-inclusive society”
    • The organisation will, in part, be financed by Adam Lambert himself

    Musician, actor and activist Adam Lambert has launched the Feel Something Foundation (FSF), with the mission to support LGBT+ organisations that are moving the needle for communities of all ages and backgrounds.

    Founded by Adam in 2019, the Feel Something Foundation is the result of a career travelling the world, meeting global members of the community, hearing their stories and witnessing first-hand the difficulties LGBT+ people continue to face in all areas of life.

    Having spent time throughout his career engaging in LGBT+ activism and as a member of the community himself, the foundation sees Adam’s philanthropy institutionalised into an organisation with the aim to truly make a difference. With the vision to see LGBT+ communities of all ages and backgrounds enjoy full human rights within a fully-inclusive society, FSF first aims to ensure support is given to the myriad of issues that continue to disproportionately affect them.

    This will be achieved through working with charities that have a mission or project directly focussed on impacting the LGBT+ community in areas of Education & the Arts; Homelessness; Suicide Prevention & Mental Health. The Feel Something Foundation wants to abolish “coming out” as a term used to define someone simply being themselves.

    FSF will build its revenue through the personal charitable contributions of its founder, directors and with public funds raised through fundraising and awareness campaigns, events and initiatives. The first fundraiser will be initiated in the coming weeks with an online clothing auction of some of Adam’s best looks. Initial charities will be chosen based on those Adam has worked with previously and that stand for the positive, progressive messages of the Feel Something Foundation in supporting and empowering LGBT+ communities. 

  • Fairy is about to donate £50,000 to this LGBT+ charity

    Fairy is about to donate £50,000 to this LGBT+ charity

    One of the UK’s most traditional brands, Fairy washing up liquid is about to donate a huge 50K to the Albert Kennedy Trust with the launch of a limited edition product.

    Fairy is coming out in support of the LGBT+ community by promising to donate £50,000 to the Albert Kennedy Trust, the LGBT+ homelessness charity with the launch of its limited edition FAIR range.

    This comes as the brand publishes The FAIR Report which looks at the attitudes and perceptions of British parents and finds that, while things have come a long way in Britain since Fairy launched in the 1950s, there is still a long way to go for all families to enjoy equality. Key findings include:

    • Less than a third (30%) of British parents surveyed said they think families with LGBT+ members are fairly treated in 2019
    • Seven in ten (69%) said they would support their child if they were in a same-sex relationship and wanted to have a child
    • When asked what would help to create equality for families with LGBT+ members, education in schools was the top answer (59%)

    While some stats from the report were promising, others showed there is still work to be done:

    • Just over half of parents (59%) think that they talk openly and positively about LGBT life and issues to their kids.
    • Less than half of parents of an LGBT+ child (47%) believe that their child was comfortable telling them they are LGBT+
    • Over a quarter (27%) of British parents say they agree that it is fair to treat people differently because of who they love or who loves them
    • Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) said that LGBT+ parenting has no place in 2019

    The research, conducted amongst 2,000 British parents during May 2019, shows that, while we’ve come a long way, there is room for family life to be more FAIR today. For this reason, FAIRY is donating £50k to the charity akt to help progress equality for members of the LGBT+ community and help them find a supportive family unit.

    According to the research, a third (32%) of British parents say, within their family, they find it difficult to find the right moment to talk about sensitive issues. And whilst over half (59%) believe they talk with their children openly and positively about LGBT+ issues, a quarter of those surveyed (25%) did not.

    “FAIRY has been a presence beside British kitchen sinks for over 70 years – if a bottle of FAIR can help families find a moment to talk openly and positively about LGBTQI+ issues, that will really help shift perceptions and drive equity for all family members, everywhere,” said Tim Sigsworth, CEO of akt.

    “Fairy’s donation will help akt develop innovative responses to ensure parents, caregivers and siblings are better informed and supported – increasing the possibility that young people will continue to enjoy a supportive and loving family life, after they come out.”

    “Whilst there has been huge progress in equality in the UK, there’s still room for greater fairness.  In partnership with akt, our FAIR campaign recognises and celebrates the diversity in family life today” said Tom Moody, Vice President & General Manager, P&G Northern Europe

    “When people chose a limited edition FAIR bottle and place it by their sink at home, they’ll be supporting a fabulous cause and our vision to create a world free from bias where everyone is free to be themselves” he continued.

    Fairy has created ‘The Fairy FAIR film’ with campaign ambassador, Duncan James and akt to accompany the report. Commenting on it, Duncan said, “I count myself so lucky that my Mum and grandparents have been so loving and supportive over the years.

    “We have come such a long way but The FAIR Report highlights that there are still so many members of the LGBTQ+ community who struggle to have a happy family life. I would encourage families – next time you’re having a cup of tea or doing the washing up, have a chat and let each other know, we’re all equal no matter who we love or who loves us.”

    The limited edition FAIR range will be available from leading retailers from July 2019. A donation of £50,000 will go to akt.

     

  • Charity wins Patient Information Award for LGBT inclusion

    A London-based charity has won an award at this year’s Patient Information Awards.

    Compassion in dying was selected as the winner of the BMA equality, diversity and inclusion special award for the resource they produced in collaboration with LGBT charity for the older people, Opening Doors London, and Stonewall. The awards were hosted by the British Medical Association yesterday (Tuesday 25 September) at BMA House in Tavistock Square, London.

    ‘Your treatment and care: Planning ahead for the LGBT community’ is the first ever resource designed specifically for the LGBT community on end-of-life care planning. It was based on extensive research which found that those in the LGBT community can face specific and significant barriers stopping them from getting the end-of-life care they want. This can include healthcare professionals making assumptions about their preferences for care and a lack of understanding about what or who is important to them. This guide was therefore designed to set out the different ways in which LGBT people may plan ahead.

    Accepting the award, Natalie Koussa, Director of partnerships and services at Compassion in Dying, said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to win the diversity and inclusion award. ‘Planning ahead for the LGBT community’ was developed as the first resource of its kind in order to support people from LGBT communities with very specific decision-making processes that they experience towards the end of life, so we’re thrilled to be recognised for this work.”

    BMA representative body chair, Dr Anthea Mowat, said, “It is a privilege to be able to recognise the great work of Compassion in Dying as the first-ever winners of the BMA’s special award for equality, diversity and inclusion.

    “The LGBT community, particularly older people, can face specific and significant barriers to getting the end-of-life care they need and it’s a sign of progress that there’s now, for the first time, a resource specifically aimed to help gay, lesbian, trans and bisexual people plan ahead for their future treatment and care in case they become unable to communicate their decisions.

    “The resource, produced with help from Stonewall and Opening Doors London, will take the complexity out of a decision that’s quite hard to understand but a very important aspect of compassionate healthcare and highlights the diverse concerns of LGBT people.”

     

    Note to readers: This is a press release, published for record.

     

  • Barnardo’s charity throws its support behind gay marriage in Northern Ireland

    Barnardo’s charity throws its support behind gay marriage in Northern Ireland

    “Our support for same-sex couples to marry reflects Barnardo’s core belief that every person is different but equal and everyone’s unique worth should be recognised.”

    © DGLimages Depositphotos

    Barnardo’s NI is throwing its support behind the campaign for civil marriage equality in Northern Ireland. It is the first children’s charity in Northern Ireland to publicly voice its support.

    Barnardo’s is making the announcement to coincide with Belfast Pride’s Coming Out for Change Campaign.

    As a UK-wide organisation Barnardo’s has in the past supported marriage equality campaigns in other areas of the UK and in the Republic of Ireland.

    Director Barnardo’s NI Lynda Wilson said, “We work with many children, young people and families who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Many of our workforce and volunteers as a reflection of society also identify as LGBTQ and we do not discriminate.”

    “We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and believe marriage equality is an extension of that. As a children’s charity we want the children and families we support as well as our staff and volunteers to know that we will stand up for them and support them.  We believe marriage equality should be a right for all regardless of sexual orientation.”

    “Our support for same sex couples to marry reflects Barnardo’s core belief that every person is different but equal and everyone’s unique worth should be recognised. We work and live in a diverse and multi-cultural environment which Barnardo’s embraces and promotes.”

    “Marriage equality legislation has been passed in the rest of the UK, the Republic of Ireland, across western Europe, the USA and Australia and we hope that Northern Ireland will soon follow, giving same sex couples the right and freedom to marry if they so wish.”

    Marriage and Northern Ireland

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    Gay marriage continues to be a contentious issue in Northern Ireland for its politicians, particularly the DUP. Despite same-sex marriage being legal in England, Wales and Scotland, Northern Ireland is the only nation within the UK that doesn’t allow its gay and lesbian couples to get married. Instead, gay couples are only permitted to have Civil Partnerships, which are legally different to marriages.

    The subject of same-sex marriage has been voted on five times by the Northern Ireland Assembly. Each time it was blocked by the DUP.

     

  • Kevin Spacey’s Charitable Organisation To Close Due To His Scandals

    Kevin Spacey’s personal house of cards is toppling down now that he has been exposed for sexual misconduct. The “House of Cards” star was first booted out from all of his movie and TV projects … (more…)

  • Age UK opens LGBT group in North Tyneside

    The national charity Age UK has launched a new support group aimed at the LGBT community.

    A new group set up by a North Tyneside charity is helping to bring members of the local LGBT community together.

    With Newcastle celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender culture at Northern Pride last weekend, Age UK North Tyneside have launched a new over 50’s LGBT group for the Tyneside area.

    After the success of Age UK North Tyneside’s trans group, which has run for five years, staff at the charity were approached to help launch an LGBT group for the area.

    Age UK North Tyneside volunteer and community coordinator, Emily Houlder, said,

    “We were delighted to be asked to get involved in this project for the local community.

    “With very few groups available in the local area, especially for people of this age, we were more than happy to help.

    “We undertook some online surveys which received very positive and supportive feedback towards the idea, so we quickly moved to get the group up and running.”

    The first set of meetings have been arranged by Age UK staff but the group is led by the members themselves, who are now starting to plan their first activities and events.

    Emily added,

    “The group is open to all and is a great opportunity for members of the Tyneside LGBT community to come along, meet new people and share their interests.

    “The first few sessions have been fantastic to be involved in and I look forward to seeing the group go from strength to strength over the next few months.”

    The Age UK North Tyneside LGBT group runs fortnightly between 7-8.30pm, meeting at Whitley Bay Big Local, 305 Whitley Road, NE26 2HU, Whitley Bay with the next meeting taking place on Monday 7th August.

    For more information on the work and services offered at Age UK North Tyneside, visit www.ageuk.org.uk/northtyneside, call 0191 2877012 or e-mail volunteer@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk.

  • Gay charity GADD set to close after fatal funding cuts

    One of Northern England’s longest running  LGBT+ charities, aimed at tackling homophobia and giving advice on LGBT sexual and mental health issues is set to close.

    © chrisbradshaw Depositphotos

    Gay Advice Darlington/Durham is to close its doors in late April for the last time after deep and “savage” funding cuts from the current Conservative government. From 1997 the charity has been funded by the County Durham and Darlington Health Authority for its work in South County Durham and Darlington Borough Council to support those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS in Darlington.

    The charity’s chief officer, Emma Roebuck wrote on her LinkedIn profile,

    “The organisation I have invested 18 years of my life in GADD is coming to an end. In April we will close the doors for the last time and I feel adrift in mixed emotions most of which are negative and useless.

    “…The current situation with austerity and cuts to organisations such as GADD have made it impracticable to function without serious mission drift in the name of sustainability”.

    According to Emma, the charity’s popularity has not dwindled and demand for its services is as high as it has ever been.

    She continued,

    “I do worry for those who have sought out support or will do in the future. LGBT+ people in the area now have no voice or safe place to call their own. The demand for help by those in need has not waned or dwindled but the financial help to drive that support has dropped significantly to the point the costs of the building and its services is unsustainable’.

    Board of Trustee member Phillippa Scrafton said,

    ‘GADD has operated for several years facing unrelenting financial challenges from within

    “GADD has operated for several years facing unrelenting financial challenges from within an economic landscape of a wholly ‘ideological’ austerity agenda imposed by this Tory Government.”

    “Savage cuts to local government funding have impacted on us terribly which ultimately affects the most vulnerable. In my opinion the situation we face is firmly at the feet of this out of touch Government and their ‘cuts’ agenda!”

    MP for Darlington, Jenny Chapman told THEGAYUK,

    “It’s terrible news. Sad that such a long standing important charity is closing. Question now is, what do we do next?”

     

    THEGAYUK reached out to the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust for comment.

  • GMFA turns 25 today

    GMFA turns 25 today

    One of the gay community’s most respected charities, GMFA turns 25 today.

    To celebrate its 25th birthday, GMFA has launched a fundraising appeal to raise £25,000 to invest in its future.

    The charity was started 25 years ago, in 1992, by a group of gay men who saw that there was a lack of resources specifically for people like themselves. Since its inception, it has tirelessly worked to bring awareness about the sexual health issues facing gay and bisexual men in the UK.

    It even produced one of the sauciest magazines available in the UK, FS magazine, which was distributed amongst London’s gay bars.

    Ian Howley, Chief executive of GMFA says,

    “Over the last 25 years, GMFA has been at the forefront of innovated measures of HIV prevention. Since 1992, GMFA has provided frank and honest information about HIV, STI and safer sex. We’ve also supported gay men living with HIV and led with powerful HIV stigma campaigns. We reach over 1.5 million people through our website alone. Our campaigns have a social reach of over 4 million. And our FS magazine is leading the way by highlighting issues that gay men face on a daily basis.”

    Despite the important role that GMFA plays in the sexual health arena, it receives no statutory funding.

    Ian continues,

    “The future of GMFA is uncertain, but we believe that we are the best in this sector to help gay men take control of their own lives.  And we do this as five men sitting in an office with the help and support of our volunteers and donors”.

    In 2013 the charity had its funding cut from the Pan-London HIV Prevention Programme, which was funded by the NHS. The cuts came at a time when new HIV infections amongst gay men were at an all time high. Higher than the levels recorded in the 1980s.

    Donate to the GMFA25 appeal: https://www.gmfa.org.uk/appeal/gmfa25-appeal

    Donate by text: GMFA25 £10 to 70070

  • Jeremy Hunt is being urged to save HIV charity from closure after theatening funding cuts

    Jeremy Hunt is being urged to save HIV charity from closure after theatening funding cuts

    The Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt is being urged to take action after an HIV charity in England signalled it could close due to crippling funding cuts.

    Sussex Beacon
    CREDIT: Sussex Beacon

    HIV charity, Sussex Beacon says it could be forced close by June due to funding cuts from the NHS. The charity which was formed in 1992 faces a “very real risk” of being shuttered after its core funding was reduced by the NHS. The charity currently costs £2 million a year to run. Trustees from the charity say they cannot continue to absorb these cuts.

    The charity, which is based in Brighton, serves around 500 people per year who are living with HIV and AIDS related illnesses. It has already announced it is to close its psychological services due to lack of funding.

    ALSO READ:

     

    A petition has been launched urging Jeremy Hunt to save the charity. Since it went live over 10,000 people have signed it.

    The closure of the vital service has been called devastating by Brighton’s MP, Caroline Lucas who called on the government to make an “urgent intervention” to stop the charity from closing.

    Caroline Lucas said,

    “The closure of the Sussex Beacon would be devastating for service users, staff and volunteers. The importance of the work being done by this vital service for people with HIV cannot be overstated – and I have written to the government asking for an urgent intervention to prevent any closure. I know that those involved with the Sussex Beacon will not let this service be slashed without a fight, and I’ll be continuing to be closely in touch with them and standing with them every step of the way.”

    In 2016 the LGBT+ mental health charity PACE was forced to close after funding cuts were made to local authority budgets. It had been in operation for 31 years before its closure.

    THEGAYUK.com reached out to Jeremy Hunt’s office for comment.

     

  • GMFA confirms new CEO

    GMFA confirms new CEO

    Ian Howley has been confirmed as GMFA’s permanent Chief Executive Officer. Ian has been with GMFA/HERO since 2010 and took over as Interim Chief Executive in August 2016.

    Alan Palmer, Chair of Health Equality and Rights Organisation (HERO), the parent organisation of GMFA said,

    “I’m delighted that the Board has confirmed Ian Howley as Chief Executive. Since being appointed as Interim Chief Executive, Ian has demonstrated the values, knowledge and commitment needed to lead this organisation. He has managed a hugely successful relaunch of FS as The LGBT Fact Site, enabling HERO to build on our achievements in providing accurate information to gay and bisexual men to ensure that we can do the same for the wider LGBT communities. Under Ian’s leadership, HERO has had its best ever World AIDS Day campaign, raising vital funds to help us continue our work into and beyond our 25th year.”

    Ian commenting on his appointment said,

    “I am delighted to have been confirmed as Chief Executive of GMFA/HERO after a successful interim period. When I first joined GMFA in 2010 I knew I was part of something special and have given my all to make sure that GMFA and HERO makes a difference to LGBT people. In the last seven years, we have worked hard to help GMFA make a difference in the community. While we are still in uncertain times, and there will be challenges ahead, I promise that GMFA and HERO will fight to help and support LGBT people to create personal and social change in their own lives and community. As GMFA enters its 25th year of existence, we need a focused and united approach to LGBT health inequalities such as the high rate of suicide in gay and bisexual men, mental health support, HIV prevention and sex and relationship education – all of which are important issues in the LGBT community. I’m proud to lead a team that’s dedicated in achieving this.

    “There is more to HIV prevention than just telling gay and bisexual men to wear a condom or just take PrEP. How we view ourselves, our self-esteem and self-worth all plays a part. We are also entering a mental health time bomb. Suicide is at its highest it’s ever been for gay men. Chemsex and the affect it has on gay men’s mental health is also becoming an issue. The battle for health equality is still ongoing and we here at GMFA and HERO promise to try our best to create personal and social change for gay and bisexual men and in the wider LGBT community.”