Switchboard Community Build Back Fund

February marks LGBT+ History Month in the UK, as Brighton and Hove’s oldest LGBTQ charity we’re asking for your support. We’re crowdfunding to raise vital funds to keep our communities supported, connected and informed as we recover from the detrimental impact of the pandemic. 

From 2020 onward we saw demand on our services soar, in some cases by over 300%. Our projects are supporting 100’s of people each week online, over the phone, and in person. Our team are providing more 1 to 1 and crisis support than ever before, and we want to continue being there for the rising number of LGBTQ people who need us. 

Last year, our Health & Inclusion Project released a report which explored the impact of Covid-19 on the LGBTQ communities of Brighton and Hove. The results showed that LGBTQ people were disproportionately affected by Covid-19 in a wide range of areas.   

We spoke to 600 LGBTQ people, and found that 22% did not have a safe place to call home, 68% were lonely or isolated, 86% were feeling anxious or depressed, 40% were using drugs or alcohol to manage their mental health, and 33% had considered suicide.

What We Want to Achieve 

This LGBT+ History Month we want you to help us build a better future for LGBTQ people across Sussex. We need to raise £5000 to keep our vital services running, and to create specific and targeted support to those who need it most. 

We have already begun this work by launching our new LGBTQ Domestic Abuse service, but our work isn't over yet.

How Your Money Will be Spent 

• Support 

With your support, we aim to extend our helpline opening hours. Your donations will help us to offer more 1 to 1 support and make time for crisis interventions for LGBTQ people who are struggling. We will use this time to connect people with the support and services they need, make referrals and keep people safe. Lastly, your donations could go toward emergency supplies like clothes, toiletries, or transport for people in crisis.

• Connection 

Your donation will allow us to connect people with LGBTQ befrienders who will offer affirmation, companionship, and a listening ear. 

• Community 

Your donation could go towards our outreach work in neighbourhoods across Sussex, making sure LGBTQ people feel safe, seen and celebrated wherever they live. It will also enable us to offer things like dementia and bereavement support to more LGBTQ people and their loved ones.  

• Information 

Lastly, your donations help us share important information with LGBTQ communities by disseminating posters, flyers, and other resources. You will also be helping us advocate for LGBTQ communities around issues like housing, health, and hate crime in Sussex.

Rewards 

As a thank you for your support we have some exciting exclusive rewards you can receive in exchange for your donation. 

Please note rewards will be distributed after the campaign ends on March 8th and can only be shipped to those in the UK. 

£10 - Pack of 4 LGBTQ badges 

Option 1: Pride is Still a Protest, Trans Rights are Human Rights, Queer is Magic & Lavender Menace

Option 2: Bisexual Frog, I Love Butch Dykes, Intersexy & Sorry You're Cis

£10 - Trans Survivors Zine

Receive a copy of Switchboard’s Trans Survivors Zine, created by our trans and non-binary volunteers.

£15 - Sage Seagulls Postcard Set

Pack of 4 postcards by illustrator and writer Henry James Garrett from our ‘Sage Seagulls of Switchboard’ series.

£20 - Art Print

Exclusive A4 art print by illustrator HardFemme_Riot. Digital print on heavyweight uncoated 250gsm paper.

£30 - Tote Bag

Canvas tote bag with exclusive limited-edition design created by Sam Prentice.

£40 - T-Shirt by Fox Fisher

T-Shirt with exclusive limited-edition design by Fox Fisher. Printed on Fruit Of The Loom t-shirts made from 100% cotton, available in sizes S-XXL.

£100 - The Bundle

Like the sound of all of the above? If you purchase the bundle you'll receive all of our rewards including; a pack of 4 LGBTQ badges, our Trans Survivors Zine, a set of postcards, art print, tote bag and t-shirt.

£150 - Custom Portrait by BadVibeArt

Receive an exclusive custom portrait of yourself, a friend or loved one by illustrator BadVibeArt. You will receive your portrait as an A4 print as well as a digital copy.

£150 - Custom Portrait by Sekinue

Receive an exclusive custom portrait of yourself, a friend or loved one by illustrator sekinue. You will receive your portrait as an A4 print and a digital copy.

£250 - LGBTQ Inclusion and Allyship Workshop

A 2 hour workshop for staff at all levels who’d like to learn how to better include and support LGBTQ service users and colleagues. This workshop will be delivered online by Switchboard for a group of up to 30 people. More details on the training and learning outcomes here.

If you have any questions about this campaign, or our rewards, please email [email protected]