Kelly Walker-Reed, Wolverhampton LGBT+ CIO
Tell us about your organisation, how you started and what you do?
Wolverhampton LGBT+ started in 2016. It was originally set up Wolverhampton Homes and has now become a registered charity supporting the LGBT+ community in Wolverhampton and the Black Country. We run multiple services and events including counselling, yoga, bi-weekly in person meet-ups, online social groups and have more recently launched a new walking group. In the coming months we are making some huge changes to benefit the community and partner organisations. Keep an eye on our socials for up to date information!
What has been your greatest achievement?
Everything we do as a volunteer-led organisation is a huge achievement but we are most proud of the feedback that we receive from the community. Each counselling session or walking group attendance makes the difference to our LGBT+ family.
What is your experience of support received from WVSC?
It has been great! Support from WVSC led to us launching our yoga service which has now been running for 3 years. We plan to work more closely with the WVSC team in the near future.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt about working with people in Wolverhampton?
Wolverhampton has some incredibly supportive organisations and staff; Gorgeous Radio, Compton Care, Paycare to name a few; we’re incredibly lucky to have such wonderful allies. The people of Wolverhampton are just brilliant but we find good news doesn’t spread easily; our lesson learned is simply keep shouting about what we’re doing!
What are some of the challenges you face and how can WVSC help to support your organisation in the future?
Wolverhampton LGBT+ has an amazing team of trustees, ambassadors and volunteers but the majority support us alongside holding full time jobs. Finding time to submit funding bids can be difficult and so we hope to work with WVSC on this more in the future.
Where can we find out more?
Contact: Kelly Walker-Reed
Email: info@wolverhamptonlgbt.org
WLGBT+
Paycare House, George St, Wolverhampton, WV2 4DX
Website: https://wolverhamptonlgbt.org/
Would you like to be featured in our Voluntary Sector Focus? Contact Sharon Nanan-Sen on snanan-sen@wolverhamptonvsc.org.uk for more info!