LGBTQ+ employee network

LGBT+ flags

This network is here to support staff and the people of Lancashire – whether you're LGBTQ+ yourself or an ally, we can all work together for equality! In the network, we want to provide you with a chance to meet and socialise with likeminded staff, raise issues relevant to your life and work, and to help shape LCC culture and policies.

Aims and objectives

At the LGBTQ+ support network, our main aim is to create a workplace that is inclusive and diverse, that listens to each person's needs and make sure that everyone is safe and supported. We want to create a culture of respect and equality for everyone, making sure that each person is supported with their unique needs to meet their full potential.

Our objectives are to:

  • Provide a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ employees to meet each other, socialise, and raise issues on all forms of discrimination against our community.
  • Increase awareness of the LGBTQ+ community across the council, and provide information and guidance on the issues that affect us.
  • Signpost opportunities for LGBTQ+ staff, both in personal and professional development, and promote events relevant to LGBTQ+ life and culture.
  • Work with other network groups and partners to improve the working environment for LGBTQ+ employees, and act as a representative staff group within LCC, offering advice, influence, support, and consultancy.

Events

We have a social event on Teams where we can catch up, socialise, and enjoy lunch together with others in the network – if you're interested, please feel free to join us in our Teams group! We also have channels where people can promote events they know about within Lancashire, share their personal experiences within the workplace, discuss how LCC might improve ways of working, or just get to know others within LCC. Once it is safe to do so within Covid-19 restrictions, we are also looking at holding events in person.

The team

Co-chairs

  • Cobie Forshaw
  • Justine McDonagh-Bond

Network coordinators

  • Christian Ainscough
  • Debra Bradshaw
  • Melanie Cooper
  • Jamie Haynes
  • Danielle Ingham
  • Danielle Jay

Further support

In sharing this information, we are not necessarily endorsing the content or activity.

  • LancashireLGBT is a registered charity working across Lancashire offering support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people alongside regular social events.
  • Out in the Bay one to one and group support in Morecambe and Lancaster, including drug and alcohol issues, sexual health and mental health. 
  • URPotential groups and one to one support for children, young people, adults and family members in Fylde and Wyre. On-line groups can be accessed by anyone in Lancashire.
  • Gender Trust are a resource giving advice and information for all those people that are affected by gender identity issues.
  • MindLine Trans+ confidential national helpline for trans or non-binary - 0300 330 5468
  • The Proud Trust provides support for young people and those supporting them, including a webchat
  • LQBT Hero a range of resources including on-line support groups, forums and advice on general, mental, and sexual health
  • Time to change provides mental health support.
  • The employee support team provide support to staff
  • Mental health guide 
  • Switchboard If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can call 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service for advice and understanding. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+