Charity Spotlight | The LGBT Foundation — The Beaverbrooks Journal

Building lasting relationships with our charity partners is what we’re proud of, and we’re putting the spotlight on a charity close to the hearts of our customers, our communities, and our people; the LGBT Foundation. The LGBT Foundation works towards achieving equality, encouraging wellbeing, and promoting a safer world for all LGBTQ+ people.

Our goal is to give back to local charities and communities by enriching the lives of those around us. We’re proud to say that we are able to give our people the opportunity to help the causes that mean a lot to them. Beaverbrooks has worked with the LGBT Foundation for over a year, and we’re very proud of our relationship with the LGBT Foundation, and enriching lives through this partnership.

“Pride is the perfect opportunity for us to showcase the work of one of the charities we support. We are delighted to donate towards the work of the LGBT Foundation from the Beaverbrooks Charitable Trust.

“Their amazing team are truly changing lives for the better and our donation helps them to carry out their wide range of support services for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. We recognise how important their work is and our values are closely aligned. Beaverbrooks are super proud to be able to support them” - Susie, Charity Manager.

We asked Chief Executive of the LGBT Foundation, Paul Martin (He/Him), how they support the LGBTQ+ community and how we and others can get involved too.

History of the LGBT Foundation

The charity’s roots date back to 1975, starting as a helpline for LGBTQ+ people in Manchester. The LGBT Foundation was formerly established as The Lesbian & Gay Foundation in 2000, when two community groups serving LGBTQ+ people in Manchester merged. The charity became the UK’s largest health and community charity for LGBTQ+ people.

Now, the LGBT Foundation hold the same values as they did in 1975; having LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing at the heart of everything they do. Championing unique voices, experiences and cultures of LGBTQ+ people across the country, the LGBT Foundation has helped to celebrate and empower individuals, as well as provide a wide range of services and activities as a life line to those in need.

Their Mission

The LGBT Foundation work to empower and celebrate diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, by following their vision to:

Create an equal and just society where queer liberation offers meaningful and lasting change.
Create safe spaces that amplify voices and work with partners and allies to drive positive change, by recognising the diversity and strength in LGBTQ+ communities.
Remain positive about the challenges that still exist, and the changes the LGBTQ+ community can make towards a fairer and more inclusive world, where queer hope and joy flourish.

With their mission, experience, and vision, the LGBT Foundation has worked towards creating a safer world for the LGBTQ+ community. In the 2020/21 financial year, the LGBT Foundation supported 20,000 people. The charity offers a helpline, sexual health events, counselling, domestic abuse support, community programmes, and more, from both professionals and volunteers all year round.

How you can support

If you want to find out how to support the LGBT Foundation, here are some ways you can help:

Volunteer with the LGBT Foundation. Volunteer work is essential to the charity, with many volunteers running vital services, giving advice, and fundraising. Volunteers of the LGBT Foundation include; Helpline Call Takers, Village Angels, Counsellors, Advisory Panellists, Befrienders, Café Helpers, Gardeners, Group Supporters to name a few!
Donate to the LGBT foundation. The charity relies on donations to be able to provide the important services and events that they provide. Donations to the LGBT Foundation are greatly appreciated!
Fundraise for the LGBT Foundation. Whether it’s by running a marathon or a bake sale, fundraising in support of the LGBT Foundation is a wonderful way to help.

Visit the LGBT Foundation website for more information about the work they do, how you can educate yourself and others on LGBTQ+ topics, and also how to get support for those in the LGBTQ+ community who need it.

How to get in touch

If you or someone you know needs support from the LGBT Foundation, you can reach them by:

Calling the LGBT Foundation helpline on 0345 3 30 30 30.
Emailing the LGBT Foundation on info@lgbt.foundation.
Visiting the LGBT Foundation website.

Their expert team will answer questions, give help and support, and can also offer services internal and external to the LGBT Foundation.

With the purpose of enriching lives at the forefront of everything we do, we know that it’s our charity work that helps connect us with our local communities and people. For more information about our work, read about what we do here.