User:Notts LGBT+ Network

Notts LGBT+ Network is an LGBT+ information and support service based in Nottingham. It is a registered charity – number 1114273.

Who we are and our history

The Network has had several name changes.

It began in 1974 as a one-night-a-week drop in information service under the umbrella of the Nottingham Campaign for Homosexual Equality.

In 1975 it acquired a phone line and took on the name Nottingham Gay Switchboard, following the example of the recently started service in London.

In 1992 the name was changed to Nottingham Lesbian and Gay Switchboard.

In 2004 the name was changed to Nottingham and Notts Lesbian and Gay Switchboard to acknowledge the fact that the service has always covered the whole county and, under that name, in 2006 it became a registered charity.

After conducting a survey which, amongst other things, asked for comments about the organisation’s name, it changed its name to Notts LGBT+ Network to coincide with its 40th anniversary in 2015.

The service provided by the Network is made up of several elements.

1. The Helpline

Over the period from 1975 to 1985, the helpline expanded from one night a week to five nights a week. It continues to operate Mondays to Fridays 7pm to 9.15pm. Originally, it was essentially a phone service. Today it operates by phone, e-mail, texting, letter and instant messaging, with e-mails being the most frequent mode of contact. The helpline has received over 70,000 contacts.

2. The Newsletter

The free Newsletter is called QB, which stands for Queer Bulletin. It first appeared in 1998 and was a joint effort with contributions from the Nottingham GAi Project and the Network. It was a 4 page A4 sheet and 500 copies were printed bimonthly on the GAi Project’s photocopier.

In 2005, the Network took over complete responsibility for QB. At the moment it is an 8 page newsletter and 1000 copies are printed and about 1200 copies are distributed via e-mail lists. Some of the e-mail recipients distribute QB further through the intranets of their organisations. QB can also be downloaded from several websites.

3. The Database

The Network has a comprehensive database of LGBT+ information for Nottinghamshire. The database also contains relevant information from neighbouring counties and from

important national organisations and groups. The information on the database is checked regularly.

4. The Website

The website details the routes through which people can contact the Network and the ways in which the Network can help. It also provides very detailed information about: local LGBT groups and services, including a directory which can be downloaded; LGBT+ hate crime; LGBT+ same-sex domestic abuse.

5. Social Media

The Network has a presence of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

6. Training and presentations

Volunteers on the Network have provided training and presentations on LGBT+ issues to a large number of groups and organisations and details of this can be seen on the website. The Network also trains its new volunteers.

7. Liaison

In recent times many organisations have seen the need to liaise with and support the LGBT+ community either in terms of their staff or service users. The Network has been involved in working with – amongst others - the City and County Councils, Notts Police and branches of the NHS.

Full details of how to contact the Network are on the website http://www.nottslgbt.com/