Volunteers in blast as they quit charity
A NUMBER of volunteers at an LGBT+ charity based in Manchester have resigned after they claim the organisation had ‘failed to act in accordance’ with its own set of values.
Eight volunteers from LGBT Foundation’s Village Angels group, which focuses on helping people report crimes and assisting people safely getting home, signed an open letter saying they ‘could no longer be associated’ with the organisation.
“We can no longer, in good conscience, continue to be associated with a project which treats its staff and dedicated volunteers with contempt to the detriment of the service it provides,” the letter reads.
The letter, which was shared online ahead of Manchester Pride weekend, says the volunteers have ‘tried for years to fix problems’, but that ‘the outcomes have not been sufficient to restore confidence’.
Josh Sanderson-Kirk, a former volunteer speaking on behalf of the co-signees, told the M.E.N. the issues included ‘neglected’ equipment – and some volunteers being expected to purchase their own gloves and high visibility jackets to wear during shifts.
Other issues reportedly included ‘low’ training and recruitment standards – and a lack of contact during the coronavirus pandemic. Some volunteers were said to have ‘felt deliberately excluded’ from welfare calls and Facebook groups.
“The LGBT Foundation is losing a collective 35 years of experience in the Angels who have signed the letter,” Josh said.
“This includes their most experienced shift leads and volunteers, plus two nurses who have provided invaluable support.
“We are all extremely sad to have had to leave in this way and we hope the LGBT Foundation will take our concerns and grievances seriously and fix an incredible programme.”
Bosses at the LGBT Foundation said they were investigating the concerns, but said the points suggested did not coincide with independent assessments.
The LGBT Foundation further questioned the validity of the letter, highlighting that only three of the eight people to sign it have worked with the organisation this year.
“It’s always sad when we say goodbye to volunteers and we will miss the three current Angels who are resigning,” co-chair Smyth Harper added.