Our latest Health and Social Care Network
Brighton and Hove VCSE organisations came together last week to address LGBTQ+ health inequalities
Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations and public sector partners from across Brighton & Hove came together on 4th November for a networking and learning event focused on addressing the health inequalities experienced by LGBTQ+ communities.
The event brought together organisations working by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and questioning (LGBTQ+) communities to share learning, showcase community-led initiatives and explore opportunities for stronger collaboration across health and social care.
The session opened with Brighton & Hove City Council presenting findings from the city-wide Health Counts survey, providing an important insight into the health and wellbeing needs of local communities.
Attendees then heard from a range of inspiring community organisations about the vital support they provide:
- MindOut – LGBTQ+ mental health services and support.
- The Clare Project – services and support for trans, non-binary and intersex (TNBI) people.
- Lunch Positive – support for people living with HIV.
- Allsorts Youth Project – the challenges experienced by LGBTQ+ young people and their families.
- Working to Connect (WTC) – networking and support for LGBTQ+ small community groups.
- Queer Therapy Hub and Village Food Bank – WTC member groups sharing their work and the difference they make locally.
- Switchboard – its diverse projects, services and groups for LGBTQ+ communities.
The presentations highlighted the breadth of expertise, commitment and community-led support across Brighton & Hove. They also demonstrated the importance of organisations working together to achieve greater impact, particularly when demand for support is high and resources are limited.
By creating opportunities to connect, share experiences and identify common priorities, the event reinforced the value of partnership working between VCSE organisations and public sector partners in addressing health inequalities and improving outcomes for LGBTQ+ communities.
Thank you to all the speakers, organisations and attendees who contributed to such a valuable and thought-provoking session.
For more information, please see the individual presentations listed below.