GMCA pledges support to young LGBT+ residents

Greater Manchester has set out plans to improve support for young Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) people with £450,000 of funding for a trailblazing LGBT+ Centre.

The Proud Trust’s LGBT+ centre, which was the first of its kind in Europe when it opened in 1988, remains one of only four such centres in the country. 

Demand for their services has increased in recent years, and the Charity are continually supporting young people that are fleeing from abuse, at risk of being homeless or suffering from loneliness.

To meet demand they are rebuilding a three story centre, which will increase the people they can help from 12,000 a year at the moment to around 50,000 a year once the work is completed.

Focussing on youth engagement, the centre offers group sessions and peer support to young people that need their help.

Councillor Brenda Warrington, Greater Manchester portfolio lead for Equality said: “I’m incredibly proud that our city-region has a worldwide reputation as a LGBT friendly place.  Equality is at the heart of everything we do here.

“When the Proud Trust’s LGBT+ centre first opened in 1988, it was the first of its kind in Europe and helped to cement Greater Manchester’s reputation as somewhere that did things differently and warmly welcomed LGBT people. 

“By approving funding for the LGBT+ centre’s scheduled renovation, we’ll show that spirit is alive and well.”

Carl Austin-Behan, LGBT adviser to the Mayor of Greater Manchester said: “When this centre opened back in 1988 it was a trailblazer, and since then we have seen it go from strength to strength.

“I’m really proud that this proposal has been brought forward and now The Proud Trust can now get to work and start with the rebuild. The centre will be a vibrant hub, doubling the space they currently have, providing a safe environment and help continue to support the next generation of LGBT+ young people across Greater Manchester.”  

Amelia Lee, Strategic Director of The Proud Trust said: “The Proud Trust and all the groups at the LGBT+ Centre are delighted that we have the support of the Greater Manchester Combined Authorities.

“Through this rebuild, The LGBT+ Centre can help thousands of people who need safety, friendship and support. This work helps put Greater Manchester on the map as one of the best places in the country to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans.”

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is scheduled to consider proposals that would see £450,000 put towards the renovation of the LGBT+ centre on January 25th.

ENDS

Article Published: 18/01/2019 13:56 PM