'Club F.O.D @ Pride' - Reducing Social Isolation for LGBT+ People at Pride

The Pitch

Problem statement

For the LGBT+ community, Pride is a celebration of identity, diversity, and inclusion. Sadly, for a variety of reasons, for some people pride can be a lonely experience: for example, there are many that for whatever reasons have to attend alone, there are those with mobility issues and there are those who are challenged by crowded spaces. In some instances, people choose not to attend a pride event because of this. For a significant number of the LGBT+ community, an individual’s first pride literally can change their life: it’s empowering and exhilarating to discover that there are people just like you

Solution

‘Club F.O.D @ Pride’ replicates what we do as an organisation though our projects (social inclusion and preventing social isolation, befriending, community) through establishing an on-site central community hub that coordinates community resources, actively promotes connection and providing a unique safe-space within a wider safe-space. Against the backdrop of cabaret, music, games and community signposting, our volunteers spend the day talking to each and every individual. They introduce and match individuals that are attending on their own with others - all underpinned by a sense of community. Our intention is to take this to as as many regional pride events as possible

Why are we best placed to deliver?

We believe that our organisation is unique in addressing the needs of the LGBT+ community and addressing the challenges of the social isolation that exists. Whilst many organisations exist to stage pride festivals or provide specialist support and resources, Club F.O.D exists to create/maintain a sense of community. Whether the LGBT+ community is able to meet physically at a dedicated event or activity or virtually using the internet, what matters to an individual remains fundamentally the same for most of us: • Meaningful connection • Accessibility of support • Being part of a community • Opportunities for social interaction • Having our difficulties and disadvantages acknowledged

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

5,000 people

Expected impact

Club F.O.D @ Pride will enable those who are usually challenged in attending Pride events to have a safe space within a wider safe space where they can be supported to make new connections. In a trial we completed in 2021, one attendee said "I started my first pride stood in a field surrounded by people but feeling so alone. I ended it with new friends and feeling like I have a family again. I really have come home (The individual had been disowned by family after coming out) A manned welcome stand is is visible and presents details of our services and the other available services locally. The volunteers (FOD Squad) spend the day mingling around the crowd, introducing themselves and connecting people with other people on their own. They note numbers spoken to and soliciting feedback verbally and through the completion of a survey about inclusion, safety - a survey is also carried out after the event and results collated into our Outcomes Progress Tool.