Lifestyle
Happy Volunteer Week
Jun
During this really strange time, I’ve found myself thinking about how I can make a more concerted effort to give back. Well , it is volunteer week after all. Being unemployed and with bills to pay, I’m not able to financially support charities and organisations. But what I do have right now is time on my hands, and I want to use it wisely.
This pandemic has affected so many people on so many levels. But remembering that while we quarantine, work from home, job hunt, and consume excessive amounts of Netflix and social media content, there are still people out there that are vulnerable for different reasons – and have been for a long time. The reality is – even before COVID-19 changed the world as we knew it, people were struggling to get the services they need and deserve. Is it time to volunteer?
I’m not saying I’m going to become an A star volunteer. With the capacity I have, physically and mentally, will I make a grand impact? But I’ve been looking into different LGBTQ+ organisations around the UK that are making a difference. Whether we choose to volunteer with them or donate. Even just support by raising awareness of their work – there are ways we can do our bit.
The Outside Project
“The Outside Project is a homeless/crisis shelter & LGBTIQ+ Community Centre in response to those within the LGBTIQ+ community who feel endangered. A charity for those who are homeless, ‘hidden’ homeless. Those that feel that they are on the outside of services. due to historical & present prejudice in society & in their homes”.
They are working extremely hard during this time to support people into emergency shelter.
GET INVOLVED SUPPORT
Mosaic LGBT Youth Centre
“Mosaic’s mission is to enhance and sustain the health and well-being of young Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and more (LGBT+) communities by providing activities, programs and services that support, educate and inspire its members. Through this, they aim to empower community members; provide essential resources; advocate for young LGBT+ rights; and embrace, promote and endorse the diversity of young persons”.
GET INVOLVED SUPPORT
LGSMigrants
“LGSMigrants is a queer activist group that, through fundraising and direct action, stand in solidarity with all migrants and refugees. Inspired by Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners in the 1980s they build on a proud history of queer solidarity to say: no one is illegal. They meet weekly in London and have active groups in Bristol and Brighton”.
GET INVOLVED SUPPORT
LGB&T Dorset Equality Network
“LGB&T Dorset Equality Network is working for a homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia free, inclusive Dorset and UK. Their Network was created and exists to support communities and especially lesbian gay bisexual and trans’ individuals. Those who are voiceless, face daily dis-empowerment, vulnerability and isolation, and in particular discrimination, prejudice and hate crime”.
GET INVOLVED AND VOLUNTEER