The Lesbian & Gay Foundation has received funding for a
project that will act to support lesbian and bisexual women across
the nation. The 'Well Women' project is aimed at improving the
health and wellbeing of lesbian and bisexual women as well as
empowering them to better engage and participate in their
communities. It is believed to be the first ever funded national
project of this kind.
Evidence suggests that the inequalities lesbian and bisexual women
experience as a result of prejudice are a barrier to accessing
mainstream support, especially for
black and ethnic minorities. According to Stonewall, half of
lesbian and bisexual women have had negative experiences with
healthcare professionals, and a recent survey found that over 95%
of lesbian and bisexual women had experienced an emotional
wellbeing issue such as depression or suicide. Bisexual women are
also more likely to be
depressed than their male counterparts.
According to Annie Emery, Head of Services at The Lesbian &
Gay Foundation, negative experiences can result in a lack of
confidence in statutory services, as well as reduced visibility and
influence within these services. "A lack of engagement in public
life means lesbian and bisexual women are consistently isolated and
can feel invisible," she has stated. "This can lead to LB women
feeling disempowered and ignored by mainstream society. This
programme of work aims to address inequalities, and to equip and
empower LB women to have a voice and play an active role in
society."
The 'Well Women' project will receive £299k funding from the The
Big Lottery Reaching Communities Programme over a period of four
years. The project will build on The Lesbian & Gay Foundation's
existing services for women in the North West, along with
establishing a national network of organisations that support
lesbian and bisexual women.
Existing support opportunities include a counselling service and
support groups. According to Emery, the 'Well Women' project will
also develop "targeted health campaigns, monthly skills and
confidence building sessions, regular public participation
workshops, and an online support forum."
"Lesbian and bisexual women's needs are often overlooked within
mainstream services," she continues, "so this project will also
focus on improving the capacity of other external organisations to
better meet the needs of this often marginalised community. We are
very excited that thanks to The Big Lottery Reaching Communities
Programme we are able to drive this vital work forward."
The Lesbian & Gay Foundation is a charity offering a wide
range of services to lesbian, gay and bisexual communities. For
more information, visit lgf.org.uk, or call 0845 3 30 30
30.
