Birmingham LGBT Centre (360G-BirminghamCC-100889)

pplicant writes that this project has been developed as a response to the aims of the citywide NNS funding programme. Building on the success of an existing Ageing Better programme, Birmingham LGBT will engage a part time worker to provide capacity building support to 15 LGBTQ+ peer led support and social groups across the city. These groups are typically unfunded small grassroots community groups that have been set up by volunteers to bring LGBTQ+ communities together and address need that has not been met by mainstream agencies. Birmingham LGBT describes such groups as diverse and community based, and able to offer culturally competent support to many members of the city’s LGBTQ+ population, who would otherwise be isolated. Assistance to these groups will include support with constituting, setting up a bank account, fundraising, health and safety, and support with governance and organisational policies and procedures. Birmingham LGBT will also provide support to access meeting spaces, and marketing and promotion of events and activities. It will also deliver several networking and training days which will provide an opportunity for these informal groups to network with each other and with other community providers. The latter in particular will help the groups to improve their visibility and ability to signpost LGBTQ people to relevant services.