Communities come together to mark LGBT+ history month

Last week my team attended a special Gwent Police community dial-in as part of LGBTQ+ History Month.

I am pleased that Gwent Police are continuing to work with LGBTQ+ communities, as only by listening and acting on what our communities tell us can we improve relationships and provide empathy to victims. Community dial-ins allow members of diverse communities from across Gwent to come together to talk about the impact of Covid-19 on their lives.

 

The social landscape has changed over the years but unfortunately hate towards diverse communities still exists. Education is a vital component to change how people think and act. A lot of work is being done by Gwent Police and the NXT Gen Team are training young cadets to become hate crime ambassadors to encourage young people to help their peers identify and report hate crime.

 

I was interested to hear of research carried out by Newport City Council that revealed that the pandemic has increased isolation and reduced the number of safe spaces in Newport for LGBTQ+ residents. Young people are finding lockdown especially hard, as they have less access to safe spaces such as schools and youth groups.

 

It was pleasing to hear that there are a number of local organisations working hard to combat this. Community House Newport, which receives funding from my office, has employed a LGBTQ+ worker to coordinate a group for young people. This meets online and provides one-to-one and group support. It is a positive approach and is having a positive impact on the young people supported. For more information contact Jacob.greggharris@etonrdch.org

 

Young people in Caerphilly can access the Basement project, which provides online support and advocacy services, along with a much-needed social space. Email thebasement@caerphilly.gov.uk 

 

My office also supports services such as Umbrella Cymru that provide high-quality emotional and practical support, information, and advocacy for LGBT+ victims of crime. Contact Umbrella Cymru via:
Email: info@umbrellacymru.co.uk
Call: 0300 302 3670
Visit: www.umbrellacymru.co.uk
Follow: @umbrellacymru on Twitter.

You can report a crime to 101 or, in an emergency, always call 999.