Support and social group is launched
A NEW drop-in club is launching in Hinckley to support members of the LGBT+ community.
The sessions are being hosted at St Mary’s Parish Church in the centre of town and are backed by the church, Leicestershire Police, the borough council and Leicester’s LGBT Centre.
The idea, called the Proud 2 B project came about after PCSO for Hinckley town centre, Julie Hodgkinson attended the annual LGBT+ service at St Mary’s Church last year.
She chatted with Reverend Angela Tarry about concerns over the lack of support for the LGBT+ community and so the seed for the club was sown.
A £2,000 donation from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, has enabled Julie to take practical steps and set up the meetings, which will take place weekly on a Tuesday.
The first event is on Tuesday February 13 between 4pm and 5.30pm at St Mary’s Community Hall, St Mary’s Road, Hinckley.
PCSO Hodgkinson, said: “This is an exciting project and with the help and effort of all the partnerships, the drop-in club will help to provide support to the local LGBT+ community.”
Rev Tarry said: “I’m delighted to be involved in Proud 2 B, the new LGBT+ group in Hinckley. I am passionate about enabling everyone’s voice to be heard, particularly those who are marginalised and for all to be treated with dignity and to feel valued.
“This new group will provide a safe space in which members of the LGBT+ community can be listened to, support each other and build community together.”
Former borough councillor and Barwellbased LGBT rights campaigner Mathew Hulbert, said: “We’re really excited about this new weekly group, the first provision of its kind in the borough, for several years.
“As well as there being a chance to socialise, there will also be information, advice and support available and a chance to work together to mark important LGBT+ anniversaries and occasions throughout the year.”
The Proud 2 B project will provide trips out and a place for people to have fun and socialise over a cup of tea. No need to register, just come and join the team at the community hall.