The Group was established in Autumn 2001 by a group of LGBT people and service providers who had identified the relative lack of services and support for LGBT people in the local community.
In April 2002, the Group received a one-off grant of �5000 from Luton Borough Council. In April 2003, we successfully applied for a �5000 grant from the Community Funding Initiative to conduct a local LGBT needs assessment survey, and to pilot a helpline or social group in the town.
We have no paid members and all work undertaken by the Group is done on a voluntary basis.
Although Luton has a relatively well established and vibrant LGBT commercial scene, the town does not have a particulary good record of responding to the needs of LGBT people in other ways. Furthermore, recent legislation has also provided new incentives for agencies and service providers to consult and involve LGBT people in the local community.
Local residents, Luton Borough Council, The Lodge, Luton and Beds Youth Association, The Beaumont Society, Citizens Advice Bureau, Bedfordshire Police, and others.
To provide a consultative body and point of reference to enable local agencies and partnerships to access the views of local LGBT people
To raise awareness of local LGBT needs and issues, and to liaise with a range of statutory and voluntary sector agencies
To identify gaps in local services for LGBT people
To provide a voice for LGBT people not based around the commercial scene
To develop and produce appropriate publicity about local activities and services for LGBT people
To investigate best practice in other LGBT networks around the country
To develop new, or link with existing telephone helplines
To complete a needs assessement of local LGBT people.
