THEGAYUK

Tag: Charity

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

  • Gay Domestic Violence Charity Faces Closure After Government Fails To Confirm Funds

    An LGBT Charity aimed at supporting those who have suffered Domestic Violence (DV) has announced that it could face closure after no confirmation from the Home Office whether funding will be extended for another year.

    Broken Rainbow, the UK’s largest charity supporting men and women who have experience domestic violence is facing having its helpline closed after failing to obtain clarification on whether the home office will extend its funding for another year. The charity was set up in 2004 and last year supported over 5000 victims of violence from their partners.

    The news comes as a raft of other mainline LGBT charities and services face devastating cuts, including Terrence Higgins Trust, GMFA and the London And Lesbian Gay Switchboard.

    “For our funding not to be renewed or replaced will result in the helpline being closed down.” reported Wendy Wilde, the Service Delivery Manager “we’ve supported over five thousand people this year and if we were to close there are very few other services for them to go to and not one that offers national support in the way we do.”

    The charity, which has helped countless of people, says that the current funding only pays for one helpline worker at a time – and callers are often met with an engaged tone. The service is comparatively expensive, because the nature of the service, however its benefits have been felt far and wide – having worked closely with the producers and writers of EastEnders during their same-sex domestic violence storyline in 2014.

    In May last year it emerged that members of the LGBT community are more than twice as likely to have experienced domestic abuse in the past year compared to those in heterosexual relationships, and almost half of victims say that they didn’t know where to turn for support.

    “Government cuts on dv services have a huge part to play.” explains Jo Harvey Barringer, Broken Rainbow’s Managing Director “our service is comparatively expensive to run as our calls can take a long time due to us offering case work rather than simply a signposting service. Currently almost as many calls meet an engaged tone as a helpline worker because we only have enough funding for one person to answer calls at any time. Often callers are disclosing their abuse for the first time and the reality is that there is often nowhere to signpost people to. Decisions like the one to close the men’s refuge by Hammersmith & Fulham are a prime example.

    “The money is just not there to support the demand. Statutory organisations who do work within the Home Offence definition of domestic abuse which is: “any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

    “The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional” have their focus (and rightly so) on the demand from women and girls but that means they cannot stretch what they have to offer further support to other marginalised groups within society and often services have no provision at all for anyone who is outside their frame of reference.”

    Broken Rainbow, in recognition of the huge demand, particularly in direct services, is looking to extend its front line service provision within the next few months. Initially focusing in the North West of the country with an IDVA service and is also about to launch an LGBT legal assistance programme. “However the success of these is based on the existence of the helpline and we are just not in a position to guarantee that right now” said Ms Wilde.

    Speaking about the funding crisis, Caroline Lucas MP said, “If Broken Rainbow is forced to close its services as a result of Government cuts, it will mean the loss of a unique service which has made a real difference to the lives of tens of thousands of people. To see it close just at the time when its services are under greatest demand would be perverse and counterproductive, putting more people at risk, and undermining the excellent work it has done to date. I urge the Government to think again.”

    Baroness Barker added, “Broken Rainbow has a great record of helping the most vulnerable members of our community to escape and avoid domestic violence. The value of Broken Rainbow’s work is immense, not least the amount of harm which it prevents. Fundraising for such a difficult subject is tough, but I hope that resources can be found to keep this uniquely effective service going.”

    If you want to know more about Broken Rainbow you can visit their website www.brokenrainbow.org.uk Broken Rainbow depends on donations and goodwill of its supporters.

    Donations can be made via their website and even the smallest amount can make a difference to someone whose life is at risk.

  • Win a Double Date with Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black

    Yes you read that right, one of the cutest and hottest gay couples around are offering YOU the chance to hang out with them both to raise money for their favourite charities.

    They will fly you and your best mate to London for the best double date of your life! You’ll spend the morning poolside with Lance cheering on Tom at diving practice. Next, you’ll explore the city, from ice skating at Somerset House to High Tea at The Ritz. Then you will get the chance for the best selfie atop the iconic London Eye. After sightseeing, a professional styling session will have you looking smashing for our dinner at one of the best restaurants in Town. And to wrap up the night? They will show you some of their favourite local spots.

    Tom is going to donate his portion of the money raised to OMAZE The Brain Tumor Charity in honour of his late father, whilst Dustin will be donating his half to HRC The Human Rights Campaign in memory of his brother

    If you are too shy to meet the boys (as if) there are other ways you can help them raise more money for their favourite charities. E.G. give a $1000 and receive a signed pair of Tom’s Speedos. Now there’s a thought.

    Full details fromhttp://www.omaze.com/experiences/tom-daley-dustin-lance-black but in the meanwhile check out the video that these couple of charmers made.

    P.S. I’ve already had my selfie Dustin, and he will not stop talking about it.

     

  • OPINION | Ice bucket challenge – enough is enough

    I’m all for giving to charity as much as the next man, but now that every major (and too many minor) celebrities are jumping on this latest bandwagon, we think maybe enough is enough.

    We hate to pour cold water on anybody’s good ideas, but think perhaps that the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has got a little out of control. We know we are not alone on this and were so happy to watch this Broadcast on the WIN TV Channel in Australia when reporter Lincoln Humphries articulated our feelings so perfectly.

    Handsome Lincoln explains in some detail about the many ways that we can all help people in need without using up water, which is still a precious commodity in many parts of the world. He lists many ways that we can all give effectively and quietly without all the glare of publicity. We would encourage you to watch his wee piece to the very end, as we completely endorse his ideas of what we all should really be using ice cubes for.

    But just before we say goodbye to this worthy charity jape that has got out of hand, we would like to share just one more participant’s very worthy effort.

    Steve Grand the rather sensational gay singing cowboy who’s You Tube All American Boy went viral last year has just done his Ice Bucket Challenge NAKED! I mean, it would be impolite not to support him after he bared his all just for us … ooops, we mean for Charity.

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, it’s management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

  • Older LGBT Londoners To Benefit From £75,000 Charity Grant

    Age UK Camden (AUC), a Camden based charity, has received £75,000 over two years from the City of London Corporation’s charity, City Bridge Trust, to boost its Opening Doors London (ODL) project for Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people.

    As the largest Age UK group in London, AUC works with around 7,000 older people in Camden, improving their lives through a wide range of services including day centres, information and advice service, volunteering and counselling. The ODL project, which is the largest of its kind in the UK, was established to address the needs of the older LGBT community across the capital and ensure they have access to specialised support and advice for their later life planning.

    It is estimated that there are as many as 150,000 LGBT people aged over 50 living in London, many of whom suffer from mental health problems, as a result of decades of discrimination and social exclusion. ODL supports almost 1,000 older LGBT Londoners, and this grant will be used to recruit two full time Development Coordinators to further develop vital services and strengthen referral networks.
    Stacey Halls, Opening Doors London Project Manager at Age UK Camden, said, ‘This substantial grant from the City Bridge Trust is incredibly important to us, as demand for the support and services offered through Opening Doors London (ODL) for older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Londoners continues to increase significantly. In addition to lobbying and campaigning with, and for, older LGBT people to ensure that services can meet their needs, ODL also provides a wide range of services and activities which aim to reduce social isolation and help to improve the overall health and well-being of older people from LGBT communities.’

    Jeremy Mayhew, Chairman of City Bridge Trust, said, ‘Over the past three years, City Bridge Trust has been working with AUC on this ground-breaking ODL project to expand its reach from five central London boroughs to all the North London boroughs; it is now developing throughout the capital. We are delighted to continue our support for this crucial project for older LGBT people, which provides a lifeline for this community, enabling their voices are heard and their needs are met.’

    City Bridge Trust is the grant-making arm of Bridge House Estates, whose sole trustee is the City of London Corporation. It addresses disadvantage by supporting London charities and providing grants totalling around £15 million annually.

  • Ruth Hunt announced as CEO of Stonewall

    Ruth Hunt has been announced as the new CEO of Britain’s biggest Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual charity, Stonewall.

    Ruth Hunt has been acting CEO of the charity since February this year and before that, was Deputy Chief Executive. She joined the charity in 2005 as a Senior Policy Officer, having begun her career at the Equality Challenge Unit. Her appointment concludes a comprehensive and transparent search, throwing up a strong set of candidates from which Ruth emerged as the clear winner.

    In May Hunt controversially refused to back a boycott of the Dorchester Collection, after it emerged that the owner of the group the Sultan Of Brunei said that he would adopt the Sharia criminal code for his country, the law carries harsh penalties for adultery and sodomy – which includes death by stoning.

    Hunt commented, ‘The recent boycott of The Dorchester Collection has undoubtedly raised awareness in the West of the issues in Brunei but the crucial questions for Stonewall are whether there is a mandate for the boycott and would such a boycott work? We believe the answer is no, on both counts. I do not believe the somewhat beleaguered Christopher Cowdray, Chief Executive of the Collection, can somehow influence the implementation of Sharia criminal code in Brunei.’

    Her statement led to a public outcry, which led to Stonewall changing its stance 3 days later.

    On the announcement of her appointment, Ruth Hunt said, ‘I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to lead Stonewall, a highly-respected organisation that is synonymous with achieving equal rights for lesbian, gay and bisexual people. It is full of committed, intelligent and creative people and I am very pleased to be heading up such a talented team.

    ‘There are so many opportunities ahead, as well – of course – as challenges. I look forward to working with Stonewall’s many partners to develop what the team and my predecessors have already achieved, to advance equality and challenge discrimination both throughout the UK and abroad. These goals we share with the lesbian, gay and bisexual community and it’s fundamental that we work together to achieve them.’

  • Trans Youth Looking For Help Cooling Off With Gendered Intelligence

    Yearly residential programme run by Gendered Intelligence seeks crowdfunding to address need.

    As summer approaches and the weather heats up in Britain, summer residentials are kicking off. Usually these programs for children are segregated by sex, putting transgender youth in awkward positions and limited options for social interaction during the season.

    WATCH VIDEO

    Gendered Intelligence, a community interest company that supports trans youth, attempts to combat this every summer with a trans youth residential. The programme includes everything from kayaking to raft building as well as informal games and social interacting that help trans youth gain important personal and outdoor skills. The residential provides a safe space for all gender identities expressed by youth.

    But, as with most activities, running residentials is costly and homelessness and poverty remains a frequent issue for LGBT communities, especially transgender people. According to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey in the US, trans people were twice as likely to be unemployed and one in five reported being homeless at some point in their lives. Providing resources and safe spaces for trans people that are affordable is critical, especially for youth.

    For this reason, Gendered Intelligence seeks donations to support this August’s camping residential. Previous residentials have seen 15-20 trans youth attending and with a cost at £300 a head. This year they have 20 signed up and 10 on the waiting list. To support and cover all of the youth, GI needs £5,000 in donations.

    “Our summer residential really gives our young trans members a safe space to be themselves and a chance to have a positive experience with other trans youth, to make new friends and to strengthen old ones. Come rain or shine the most fun will be had cooking over an open fire, having heart to hearts, laughing and bonding. It just may be that this quite simple opportunity for our young people could actually be life changing,” said Jay Stewart, co-founder of Gendered Intelligence.

    Though many of the youth can’t share their names, many of them report positive experiences: “I really enjoyed being part of this physical project. I most enjoyed the swimming session. I can’t swim but the instructor gave me a lot of attention and said that I had potential, which was really encouraging.”

  • UK Charity centred Undertakes Projects To Unify Deaf LGBTs

    Today centred, London’s LGBTQ community development charity, launches two new projects: The four year project ‘Together – Equal – Different’, and a year long project with and for diverse Deaf LGBTQ people, called ‘Sign Up’.

    These projects will continue centred’s work to build diverse, creative, inclusive and connected LGBTQ communities in London, ultimately improving the well being of LGBTQ people and their family and friends.

    ‘Together – Equal – Different’ will provide an accessible events programme, including large scale events and more intimate ones, themed around arts and culture, heritage, social education and the environment; learning opportunities about equality, diversity, and inclusion; and a collaborative action research project exploring the impact of aspirational, celebratory community activities and spaces on LGBTQ experience.

    ‘Sign up’ will provide a series of workshops culminating in a major Deaf LGBTQ arts event in May 2015, bringing together creative talent from across the diverse Deaf LGBTQ community. The event will be Deaf led, with friends and family welcome to be a part of the day too.

    centred will recruit new volunteers, strengthen relationships with the diverse communities it works in and with, including Deaf communities and Black, Asian and ethnic minority LGBTQ communities, and exchange learning within other diverse communities of queer people, and their family and friends.

    ‘Together – Equal – Different’ is funded by The Big Lottery Fund’s Reaching Communities programme and ‘Sign up’ is funded by Awards for All.

    Participants in centred’s previous work have been integral to the development of ‘Together – Equal – Different’ and ‘Sign up’ and to the achievement of new funding. The generosity of feedback and the co-creation of new ideas are what enable centred to continue its work. A participant in centred’s Second Generation project shared ‘being a part of diverse spaces, where difference is placed at the centre of everything, has been challenging but in a good way. I have a much different view of the community now’. This is the community that centred will help to grow.

  • Stonewall Refuses To Back Dorchester Boycott

    A statement from the acting Chief Exec of Stonewall, explains why Stonewall won’t be backing the Dorchester Collection boycott.

    Britain’s biggest LGB charity has announced that it won’t back a boycott of a hotel group owned by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei, who has confirmed that he will continue his adoption of a Sharia criminal code in his country.

    This law carries harsh penalties for adultery and sodomy – which includes death by stoning.

    The Dorchester Collection has a number of hotels across the world including The Dorchester in the UK’s capital and The Beverly Hotel in California.

    The Sultan’s actions have caused calls from the around the globe to boycott the chain – backed by many Hollywood names and celebrities, including Ellen DeGeneres and Jay Leno

    However Ruth Hunt, the acting Chief Executive of Stonewall stated,

    ‘At Stonewall we share the anger and fury of those calling for a boycott but we won’t be joining them’.

    ‘The recent boycott of The Dorchester Collection has undoubtedly raised awareness in the West of the issues in Brunei but the crucial questions for Stonewall are whether there is a mandate for the boycott and would such a boycott work? We believe the answer is no, on both counts. I do not believe the somewhat beleaguered Christopher Cowdray, Chief Executive of the Collection, can somehow influence the implementation of Sharia criminal code in Brunei. He can’t. I do, however, fear that the boycott could do very real harm to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people of Brunei. By turning the issue into a battle between gay people and the Sultan – which it isn’t, it affects everyone in Brunei, not just gay people – we limit the opportunity for dialogue and put the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people of Brunei at far greater risk. A group of people, I hasten to add, who’ve yet to publically call for a boycott.’

    ‘Stonewall’s plan is to instead work with groups, like the Dorchester, rather than against them. Companies have enormous power to change and challenge cultures and we help them utilise that influence.’

    Read the full statement on the Stonewall website

    A former Tory Chairman, said that Stonewall’s refusal to boycott the Dorchester Collection ‘doesn’t make sense’

    Lord Dehen criticised Stonewall’s decision not to back a boycott. Speaking to Pinknews about the British Society of Magazine Editors (BSME) decision not to hold an event at The Dorchester, Lord Deben said, ‘Well done Magazine editors. I think no decent organisation should use a hotel owned by someone who stones women accused of adultery and gay people purely because of their sexuality. I think that everyone should boycott The Dorchester Collection.’

    Have your say, What do you think Stonewall should do?

  • Will Young to headline LGBT mental health charity benefit

    PACE, the LGBT mental health charity, is holding a very special event on Thursday 27 February at Café de Paris to mark their 30th anniversary, dubbed ‘Bright Night: a bit of a do about something that matters’.

    The night will feature PACE’s new Patron, Will Young alongside the brilliantly acerbic comedian Jen Brister, and is being held to raise much-needed funds to help this charity to continue providing vital services to the LGBT community. There will be an auction, lots of music, dancing and laughter.

    Some of the auction prizes are quite astonishing, including a specially-made Grayson Perry sculpture, a Versace suit worn by Elton John, a ski holiday in the French Alps from European Gay Ski Week, a private capsule on the London Eye and many others (see the full list below).

    PACE provide face-to-face and online support, counselling and advice services covering all aspects of life, including relationships, coming out, mental health and domestic abuse. Although London-based, they provide services nationwide so LGBT people anywhere can access the support they need.

    Unfortunately, recent funding cuts have meant that PACE is facing some tough times ahead and Bright Night is an opportunity to raise the essential funds that keep their services running.

    Tickets for this glitzy and fun night are £55 (or £120 for VIP, which includes a meet and greet, private lounge and VIP bar). We have negotiated a 30% discount for our readers by entering promo code LTDGAYUKPROMO at http://bright-night.eventbrite.co.uk/

    AUCTION PRIZES:
    A ski holiday in the French Alps
    A specially-made piece by 2003 Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry
    A fabulous Versace suit worn by Sir Elton John
    A private capsule on the London Eye for up to 12 guests including priority boarding, 3 bottles of champagne and entry to the 4 D cinema experience
    Two tickets to see Jane MacDonald with the opportunity to meet her after the show
    A 3 night stay in 5* Lanlas Farm, West Wales for up to 5 people with an energy healing session or yoga session with deep relaxation
    Vouchers and Wine from Tesco
    Lush gift set
    Will Young’s signed autobiography
    5 signed books from Sarah Waters
    A signed copy of Stephen Fry’s The Fry Chronicles
    Money boxes from the Paul O’Grady Show
    Signed memorabilia from Clare Balding
    A signed book from Gok Wan

  • Terrence Higgins Trust Appoints New CEO

    Dr Rosemary Gillespie appointed as Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust.

    HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Rosemary Gillespie as its new Chief Executive.
    Dr Gillespie joins the charity from the role of Chief Executive of international HIV awareness charity AVERT. Her previous roles have included Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Policy and Research for Breast Cancer Care, and Chief Executive of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

    Dr Gillespie said: ‘I am delighted to have been appointed as Chief Executive of this outstanding and iconic charity. I look forward to working with staff and volunteers in the next phase of development, growth and innovation, as we face new challenges in the fields of HIV and sexual health, and continuing attempts to eradicate prejudice and discrimination.’

    Professor Chris Bones, Chair of Trustees at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “The Trustees are delighted to have secured Dr Gillespie as the new CEO. She brings a remarkable combination of clinical practice, health management and charity leadership at a critical time for our development. No organisation can stay still in the current economic climate and Dr Gillespie’s track record of successful change and innovation across a number of sectors will help us meet the challenges ahead in both HIV and the wider area of sexual health.”

    The recruitment process was provided by executive search firm The Talent Business, working on a pro bono basis. Kate Harrison, Partner at The Talent Business, said: ‘The Talent Business is used to leading ‘C Suite’ talent searches on a daily basis, but it has been a particular pleasure to partner Terrence Higgins Trust in the search for a new CEO. From the outset I believe we had real alignment in what was needed from the future leader of the charity, and both the process and outcome were designed innovatively as a result. I believe the organisation deserves an inspirational leader to help it grow to the next level, and this appointment should help secure a bright future from a bright past.’

    Dr Gillespie will begin her role as Chief Executive on Tuesday 1st April. Paul Ward will remain in post as Acting Chief Executive until March.

  • LGBT charity Push Projects is looking for your help

    Push Projects, set up by Daniel Browne the driving force behind Warwickshire Pride, is on the look out for folk to help them out with a new video to help battle homophobia and transphobia.

    The new film is to feature in schools across Warwickshire to help in the ongoing battle with homophobia and transphobia amongst students. This important project is just part of the many important fights Push Projects have taken head on.

    If you would like to help out or take part then do contact Push Projects via:

    Email: pushprojects@live.co.uk
    Facebook: /PushProjects
    Twitter: @PushProjects

    Check out their new YouTube appeal looking for talent to help in their new film project: here