Working collaboratively to improve the lives of LGBT+ people

Leeds LGBTQ+ Community Consortium works with partners to reduce social isolation amongst older, unwell, disabled or otherwise restricted members of the LGBTQ+ communities. They aim to improve health and wellbeing by providing inter-generational activities, events and information to enable LGBTQ+ people to develop new interests and become more connected. We caught up with them about their work and their Microgrant from The Leeds Fund.

 

Can you tell us a bit about Leeds LGBTQ+ Community Consortium?  

Leeds LGBTQ+ Community Consortium was founded by a consortium of LGBTQ+ organisations in Leeds at the end of 2020 in response to the Covid pandemic. Covid increased the isolation felt by many older, unwell, disabled or otherwise restricted members of the LGBTQ+ communities. The organisation became a not-for-profit charity on 1st June 2022. We aim to improve health and wellbeing by providing inter-generational activities and events both in person and online. This enables LGBTQ+ people to develop new interests, skills and become more connected. As well as improve their physical and mental health.

We offer a selection of events/activities ranging from various arts and crafts, poetry, short story writing, yoga for empowerment, drama, music workshops accessible dance. Junk journaling, Japanese language and culture, swimming and various visits to exhibitions and places of interest around Leeds.

 

What has funding from The Leeds Fund Microgrants enabled you to do?

The Leeds Fund Microgrant has enabled LLCC to run monthly swimming exclusively for LGBTQ+ people at Bramley Baths. This is particularly significant for the trans and non-binary communities. The feedback LLCC received was extremely positive and we hope to be able to gain funding to continue these sessions going forward. These sessions are fully booked well in advance.

The funding also enabled us to set up Gay-ble (table) tennis sessions which take place fortnightly at Kirkstall Valley Development Trust and have proved to be popular with LGBTQ+ people of all ages.

All sessions are promoted via social media platforms, monthly emailed newsletter, leaflets and on our website leedslgbtqcc.co.uk.

Having sessions in local venues helps support other local community groups.

 

Can you tell us about the impact of what you do on the people you work with?

The feedback we have received has been extremely positive from the sessions we run. The Leeds Fund Microgrant allowed LLCC to provide sessions where LGBTQ+ people could enjoy themselves in a safe environment, develop new skills and connect with other people in the community. This helped both their physical and mental health increasing their self-confidence and making new friends.

Some of the feedback comments we have received.

• • • • “I love the sessions so much, people are so lovely, and you’re free to go at your own pace without fear of judgement. They’ve made me feel comfortable enough to start swimming regularly!
      • “The swimming with Leeds LGBTQ+ community consortium is now very much a part of my life and routine, and I love it. It has a really warm and wholesome vibe.”
      • “The sessions are the first time I’ve been swimming since I began my transition 7 years ago. I’d never have felt able to go swimming as a trans person if these sessions weren’t on. I thought that swimming was something I had to give up when I began transitioning, even though I’ve loved to swim my whole life. I’m so glad I have a space to swim again.”

 

What are some of the biggest challenges you face as an organisation?

The biggest challenges are reaching the most isolated members of our community and raising the funding to continue to provide our program of activities.

 

How is your organisation preparing for the future, and what kind of funding is needed?

Like most charities who rely on grant funding we are constantly applying to grant providers for financial assistance. We also hope to receive funding for a Development and Marketing coordinator who will be able to bring onboard local corporate funding support.