News

Survivors’ Network and B&H LGBT Switchboard launch the first national helpline for trans survivors of sexual violence

We are a helpline which offers support to trans people including those who are non-binary and questioning who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lifetime. We offer non-judgemental emotional support and signposting to other organisations who may also be able to offer support. We are a confidential service and can be accessed anonymously by phone or web chat.

Continue Reading Survivors’ Network and B&H LGBT Switchboard launch the first national helpline for trans survivors of sexual violence

National Refugee Week

National Refugee Week runs from the 20th -26th June, and so we are taking this time to talk about LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers.

LGBTQ+ refugees often face double marginalisation and challenges, by virtue of their refugee or asylum seeker status, and also due to their LGBTQ+ identity.

As LGBTQ+ people and communities, we know that sexual orientation and gender identity do not fit neatly into boxes and do not have checklists of attributes which can be assessed and judged. Each LGBTQ+ person is unique and does not have the same experiences or interests. However, a watchdog found that a tenth of Home Office interviews included intrusive questions about sexual practices and include questions based on outdated stereotypes of LGBTQ+ people.

Continue Reading National Refugee Week

New LGBTQ+ Group in Whitehawk

LGBTQ+ HIP is working with Whitehawk Inn to set up a brand-new monthly LGBTQ+ group in Whitehawk!

We had our first meet-up in May and it was great to meet and discuss what people would like from a group. The people who came said they would like an opportunity to get together socially, and have a place to support each other and share experiences.

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Vacancies for Four Qualified LGBTQ+ Counsellors

If you identify as LGBTQ+ and are keen to contribute to our community, we would love for you to volunteer with our LGBTQ+ Affirmative Counselling Service. We offer the chance to be part of a supportive team and receive regular  supervision.

We have vacancies for four qualified volunteer counsellors and we are particularly keen to hear from gay male counsellors, and counsellors from BME backgrounds, who are currently under represented on the team.

Continue Reading Vacancies for Four Qualified LGBTQ+ Counsellors

Training

Switchboard can provide bespoke LGBTQ+ Awareness/ Trans Awareness training for your organisation or group. The training can cover a range of topics including: understanding the impact of stigma and discrimination, creating LGBTQ+ safe spaces, implementing the Equality Act and challenging homo/ bi/ transphobia.hip whiteContinue Reading Training

Bi Visibility Day

September the 23rd was Bi Visibility Day, and to mark the occasion we teamed up with Brighton Bothways and the LGBTQ+ Workers Forum for some fun social events. We also asked you to send us your top tips for how to be a Bi Ally.

You can see some of our favourites below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Fond Farewell to Dr Maria Antoniou

After more than a year as the interim Director for Switchboard, Dr Maria Antoniou will be leaving the charity on the 10th of September, following a handover period with Switchboard Director Natalie Woods who has recently returned from maternity leave. Maria has been involved with the charity for a number of years including holding the… Continue Reading A Fond Farewell to Dr Maria Antoniou

The Breakfast Club

As a charity serving the LGBTQ+ community, we rely on corporate support to help run our services. The Breakfast Club are a recent addition to our corporate sponsors, and we’ve been grateful for their support to our Older LGBTQ+ project at their new cafe in Brighton. The staff we have had contact with have been… Continue Reading The Breakfast Club

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