Who is LGBT HERO?

LGBT HERO is the national health and wellbeing charity dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community across the UK. Each month, we reach over 100,000 people, offering trusted information, advice, and various forms of support including one-to-one, group, and peer support. Our mission is to improve health, enhance wellbeing, and champion the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals by tackling health and social inequalities head-on​.

What Does LGBT HERO Do?

LGBT HERO focuses on several key areas to support the LGBTQ+ community:

1. Information and Advice: Providing accurate and credible information on issues such as sexual health, mental health, HIV, coming out, gender and sexuality, hate crime and discrimination and general wellbeing. We empower individuals with knowledge to make informed health choices​​. We have over 100,000 users a month via www.lgbthero.org.uk 

2. Support Services: Offering one-to-one support, peer-support, and group sessions to address specific needs including suicide prevention, managing mental health, and overcoming discrimination​. Our peer-support forums are visited by over 30,000 a month and our groups directly support over 1000 people a year.

3. Training and Education: Conducting training sessions and educational programs to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and promote inclusivity and equality​​ such as providing LGBTQ+ awareness training to business, councils and community groups. 

4. Campaigning: Running campaigns to tackle issues such as hate crimes, HIV stigma, mental health disparities and LGBTQ+ rights within the community. These campaigns aim to create social change and encourage public and policy support for LGBTQ+ rights​ while empowering the community to create personal change. 

Why Does LGBT HERO Exist?

LGBT HERO exists to address the significant health and social inequalities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. These disparities often result in higher rates of mental health issues, suicide, substance abuse, and discrimination. By providing dedicated support and advocating for better services and policies, LGBT HERO aims to create a world where LGBTQ+ people have the same opportunities and quality of life as everyone else​.

How You Can Support LGBT HERO

Supporting LGBT HERO is essential in helping them continue their vital work. Here are several ways you can contribute:

1. Donations: Financial contributions help fund their various programmes and services. You can donate directly through our website or participate in fundraising events such as the annual RVT Sports Day​​.

2. Volunteering: Offer your time and skills by volunteering with LGBT HERO. Volunteers play a crucial role in guiding the organisation’s work and delivering their services​​. Email [email protected] if you want to get involved. 

3. Campaign Participation: Get involved in our campaigns by spreading awareness, participating in events, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in your community​​.

4. Corporate Support: Businesses can support LGBT HERO through sponsorship, partnership, or by encouraging employee participation in volunteering and fundraising activities.

Making a Difference

LGBT HERO has a long history of impactful initiatives, including campaigns to destigmatise mental illness within the LGBTQ+ community, develop interventions to prevent suicide and self-harm, and increase awareness about HIV prevention and support. By addressing these critical issues, LGBT HERO not only supports individuals but also fosters social change and greater acceptance within society.

Every contribution, whether it’s a donation, volunteering, or raising awareness, helps LGBT HERO make a significant impact. By supporting our efforts, you are championing the rights, health, and wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

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Who funds LGBT HERO?

LGBT HERO is funded by various notable organisations and foundations that support its mission to improve the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ individuals. These include The Big Lottery Community Fund, which supports community projects; Gilead Sciences LTD, a biopharmaceutical company focused on HIV and hepatitis treatments; Lambeth Council, which provides local government funding; and the Greater London Authority's Grassroots London, which supports community initiatives. Additional support comes from City Bridge Trust, dedicated to tackling disadvantage in London; the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which focuses on public health; McCarthy and Stone Foundation, supporting older people's causes; Lambeth Community Fund, aiding local charities; and AbbVie Ltd., a pharmaceutical company contributing to health initiatives. Each of these funders plays a critical role in enabling LGBT HERO to deliver vital services and support to the LGBTQ+ community. To learn more about how we are funded and what each fund does you can download our annual report here.