Voice and Influence
The Diversity Trust has received funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to roll out the Voice and Influence project across the South-West, to influence social change to create a fairer and safer society for LGBTQ+ people.
Our aim is to amplify and strengthen the voices of LGBTQ+ people through collaborative and strategic work. The Diversity Trust will do this by developing networks and organisations, increase voice and influence of local LGBTQ+ people, create meaningful volunteering opportunities and work towards building safer communities.
We are working across the following regions:
Volunteering
This funding has allowed us to expand our volunteering opportunities as part of this project. 
We have developed a range of volunteer policies and procedures in line with our new volunteer strategy. Currently through the Voice & Influence project we have recruited a number of LGBTQ+ volunteers across a range of different disciplines throughout The Diversity Trust to enhance our volunteer offering as well as given them meaningful opportunities to learn and grow their skills.
Project Updates
During year one of the project, we have developed research projects around Bisexuality, LGBTQ+ Hate Crimes and what improvements are needed in the NHS for Trans & Non-Binary people. The Diversity Trust has also positioned itself strategically to be able to share the voices of LGBTQ+ people with decision makers and to ensure that LGBTQ+ people are always part of the conversation. Our aim is to also position ourselves where we have a working relationship with local authorities as well as local MPs, so that we get those voices heard and influence change.
Trans Pride 2024
- The Diversity Trust was once again privileged to be invited to be in attendance at Trans Pride Bristol which was held on November 23, 2024.
- This community event marks the end to Trans Awareness week nationally, but in the South West it is an opportunity for the Trans & Non-Binary community to see what organisations, groups and services are out there to represent and them.
- Through the Trust’s Voice and Influence project, which has been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, we took the decision to use this this year’s event as an opportunity to focus on inequalities in Trans & Non-Binary health care.
- To do this we partnered with Mendip Primary Care Network and Vitaminds – talking therapies – to engage with those in attendance around three specific areas in a bid to get as much feedback and conversation as possible.
- Read the full summary of our findings here.
