Closure of the LGBT Network (LGBT Network Staffordshire Ltd)
It is with deep sadness that on the 31st January 2013 the LGBT Network closed its doors for the final time. The charity which has been in existence for just over five years was based in Piccadilly and provided direct support for LGBT people in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
Many of you know the charity has been run by volunteers for the last 12 months following a reduction in funding, an incredible feet, which is a testimony to the support and determination of the many volunteers within the LGBT Community.
The situation for all charities is becoming ever desperate with the withdrawal of local authority and government support and funding, indeed local councils in Staffordshire or Stoke-on-Trent no longer provide any external funding to LGBT organisations which should concern members of the LGBT community.
The charity has also faced its own internal problems, the trustees in office in 2011 failed in their duty to manage its affairs correctly and to submit the necessary accounts to the relevant authorities. If there is a lesson to be learnt from this, anyone electing to be a trustee of a charity should understand in full what is legally required of them before making this commitment. A full list of Trustees in post in 2011 is available upon request.
The closure of the charity will see the withdrawal of all services including telephone, internet, and and one to one support. It will also see the closure of the Polari Lounge, the only day time ‘safe space’ for LGBT people in Stoke-on-Trent.
All enquiries relating to the closure of the LGBT Network should be sent to: lgbtnetwork@lgbtstaffordshire.com
New Start
Over the past few weeks, a working group has been operating behind the scenes to develop a new support service for LGBT people. Work remains on going but whatever form it takes a very different approach will be used, concentrating on support and awareness. Should you wish to get involved in this new project or be willing to offer your services please e-mail: newstart@lgbtstaffordshire.com
Stoke Pride
Negotiations to hold his years Stoke Pride on the 10th August 2013 remain ongoing with the City Council. A separate Stoke Pride Committee has already been set up and will be unaffected by the recent changes. For further information e-mail: stokepride@lgbtstaffordshire.com
thank you
