LGBT Forum
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Forum (LGBT) launched in North East Lincolnshire
The Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education’s i-Bar launched an LGBT Forum for North East Lincolnshire, on Thursday 28th February 2008 at 5pm. Residents of North East Lincolnshire were invited to attend the launch and participate in the development of a community-based forum aimed at empowering the LGBT community of NE Lincolnshire and celebrating diversity. Guests were joined by Dan Bryan (Big Brother 5) who officially launched the event with music from a local DJ.
The North East Lincolnshire LGBT Forum, the only organisation of its kind in the area, will work in collaboration with a range of local partners including Humberside Police, the Humberside Criminal Justice Board’s Diversity Panel, the Crown Prosecution Service and NE Lincolnshire Council to tackle problems and challenges faced by LGBT communities.
The concept behind the Forum is to provide an official channel of communication and influence between the LGBT communities in NE Lincolnshire and organisations responsible for ensuring community safety and advising on specific community safety needs. The LGBT Forum aims to increase the visibility and voice of LGBT people. In addition it will attempt to ensure that the specific needs of the LGBT community are met with regard to safety and service provision.
NOTES:
• The Criminal Justice System (CJS) is one of the major public services in the country. With more than 400,000 people working in it, it includes everyone involved in the delivery of justice, from Judges and Crown Prosecution Service lawyers to Police and Prison officers. Humberside Criminal Justice Board is responsible for the running of the Criminal Justice System in the area covered by Humberside Police. For further information visit www.lcjb.cjsonline.org/Humberside
• The Diversity Panel is a Criminal Justice System resource funded by the Humberside Criminal Justice Board. The Diversity Panel reports to six agencies which include Humberside Police, the National Probation Service- Humberside, HM Courts Service, HM Prison Service, the Crown Prosecution Service and Youth Offending Teams. The Diversity Panel is there to enable the Agencies working in the Criminal Justice System to fully reflect the communities they serve and assist in increasing public confidence in the CJS. The Diversity Panel also promotes multi-agency working and equality for everyone. It also works to build community links and encourage community consultation and involvement.