LEICESTER’S LGBT Centre has been awarded almost £50,000 to upgrade its facilities and continue its important work in the community.
The centre, which has stood in Wellington Street for over 25 years, has been awarded £49,810 from Severn Trent’s Community Fund, to make improvements to its interior and make it more sustainable for the future.
The Leicester LGBT Centre is used to to support Leicestershire’s Lesbian, Gay Bi and Trans community, who have been highlighted as a vulnerable and marginalised group within the city’s society.
On its website, the centre states that 52 per cent of LGB people in Leicester have suffered from depression.
It also says that 1 in 5 lesbian and gay people have experienced a homophobic crime in the last three years.
It is hoped that work to modernise the centre, which is one of the longest running centres of its kind in the UK, will help cut energy bills and make it more sustainable, ensuring future generations are able to benefit from its important service.
“We are delighted to award a grant to Leicester LGBT Centre, and I’m looking forward to seeing the completed project,” said Sue Heyes, community fund officer at Severn Trent.
“Staff at the centre provide incredible support, and that has a genuine impact on the lives of those who visit. We hope this grant will enable the centre to carry on with their great work for years to come.”
“Having been at Wellington Street now for 25 years, we are so pleased to have the opportunity to upgrade some of our spaces with thanks to the Severn Trent Community Fund,” added Jackie Earl, chief executive of the Leicester LGBT Centre, whose mission is to “create a fair and equal society where all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people can achieve their full potential.”
“This has come at an excellent time for us as we develop our services to engage and connect more widely by developing more ‘Universal Services’ and open access groups for members of our communities.”
“Leicester LGBT Centre supports members of its communities facing a range of complex issues that include social isolation and poor emotional health as well as providing a welcoming environment that enables people to connect with others, engage in positive activities and improve their wellbeing.”
To find out more, visit: https://leicesterlgbtcentre.org/
