Bristol Family and Friends
The world according to .... Bristol Families and Friends
Who are you?
A support group for families and friends of lesbians, gay men and bisexual people. Affiliated to FFLAG (Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gay Men).
When and why did you start up?
Started in 1997 after one of the group's members needed support after their daughter 'came out'. It was decided after meeting with the Terrance Higgins Trust that parents needed support as well as their lesbian, gay and bisexual children.
Describe your organisation in three words.
Listening, caring, supportive.
If your group ruled the world, what would be your first act as world leaders?
To create equal rights and equality for all.
What is your most memorable achievement?
Campaigning outside Parliament and inside the House of Lords against Section 28 with FFLAG. Also when the group first formed, they collected for funds around gay venues in Bristol, and received a very warm and positive response.
Do you belong to any partnerships?
Affiliated to FFLAG. Also working with: Terrence Higgins Trust; Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Forum; Freedom Youth; and the Liaison Group with the local police.
Who are your funders?
Greater Bristol Foundation, Bristol City Council.
What do you get out of being a member of Voscur?
Members of the group came along to a Friday morning 'Funder Finder' session to look at getting funding from Charitable Trusts. Voscur also enables the group to be more linked in with what's happening in the community and voluntary sector.
How can we contact you?
C/o 8 - 10 west Street, Old market, Bristol BS2 OBH. 950 4104 / (01454) 898 644. visit: www.bristolfamiliesandfriends.org.uk
BACKGROUND INFO:
Bristol Families & Friends is a support group serving the West. for families and friends of lesbians, gay men and bisexual women and men based in Bristol. It provides an opportunity for people to explore issues and share experiences, as well as their fears, in a safe space. The group currently meets as a support group once a month in central Bristol. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month between 7-9 pm at a drop-in centre. The group is affiliated to the national Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gay Men (FFLAG) organisation which offers a telephone helpline and support groups all across the country. The original FFLAG organisation was set up in the USA in the 1970's, and there are now many similar groups across the world.
Thanks to Bristol Families and Friends for this profile. If your group would like to be profiled in a future Voscur newsletter or on our website, please contact Darron Thevarajah at the Voscur office on 909 9949, or email: janet@voscur.org