Sixteen groups attended the first LGBT Community Groups Network meeting. The network has been established to help smaller LGBT/HIV community groups get to know each other, find opportunities for mutual support and cooperation and find ways to develop and deliver on their aims and objectives. The mee
The network has been established to help smaller LGBT/HIV community groups get to know each other, find opportunities for mutual support and cooperation and find ways to develop and deliver on their aims and objectives.
The meeting provided a forum for members to talk about their existing work, progress, successes and to highlight challenges. Groups found common ground on many issues, and offers of help and support were shared.
A range of themes were identified for future discussion and support, including funding, reaching people needing services, and sustaining existing work. Scope for meetings with stakeholders and working groups on emerging issues were also identified. A presentation was given by Brighton and Hove Community Works, the infrastructure organisation which provides support services for not-for-profit groups. Groups that were not already members were given information on how to access free membership of Community Works and an invite to their next conference on September 16.
Practical solutions to help support groups were also discussed and identified for development, including the use of social media, group e-mail distribution lists, an online forum for members, and the use of shared desk and meeting space hosted by Lunch Positive at Prestomex House.
Gary Pargeter and Chris Cooke, Community Works LGBT Representatives who facilitate the network, said: “The first Network meeting was a great success, and it was hugely useful to share experiences and develop discussions on what support groups need. Groups started talking in more depth about how things are and what’s needed to continue and develop their work. The network has been set up as a resource for people to find ways to cooperate and support each other, sharing knowledge, skills and opportunities. As one attendee commented, it’s an organic approach and will help by giving groups time, space and resources to make this happen. Our first meeting highlighted many important issues which for the future will also have structured input; funding and reaching potential service users being good examples. Along with input from groups we’ll be putting together meeting agendas and support activities to address these issues. Being together as a network, with people having insight, skills and expertise to share, is incredibly valuable. There’s huge added potential for our groups and our community when we start talking, sharing and acting collectively.”
Groups attending were: BLAGSS, Brighton GEMS, Clare Project, FTMB, Lesbian Link, LGBT Brighton and Hove Network, LGBT Community Safety Forum, Lunch Positive, Older & Out, Older People’s Council, Peer Action, Queer In Brighton, Rainbow Chorus, Rainbow Families, Trans Alliance and Trans* Pride.
The next LGBT Community Groups Network meeting is on Wednesday November 19 from 7.00 – 8.30pm.
If you’re a local LGBT/HIV Community Group with an income of £35,000 or less and are interested in joining contact chris@lgbt-groups.org
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