New LGBT+ charity in heart of Blackpool will help those who have fallen through gaps

LGBT Charity UK, on Talbot Road, swung open its doors for the first time yesterday to provide a safe haven for struggling members of the town’s LGBT community.

The charity was founded by Luke and John Conway, who poured £8,000 of their savings into the venture in the hope of supporting those in need.

From mental health to homelessness, from sexual health support to help for those suffering from domestic abuse, the charity will provide a range of resources.

John, 54, said: “We set this charity up because of the personal experiences we had when we were younger, coming out as gay, and to help people who hay may have issues, and to support the LGBT community and their families.

“The hate crime division of Blackpool police are involved, we’re in talks with Blackpool Council, and we are having meetings with Horizon (Blackpool’s alcohol, drugs and sexual health support charity) later this month.

“We’re looking at getting professional counsellors in.

“Blackpool has got quite a large LGBT community and there’s quite a lot of gay people that don’t really go out on the scene who may feel isolated, who have got difficulties that hopefully we can help them overcome.

“It has taken us 18 months just to organise and get everything sorted. Myself and Luke have put quite a lot of our own money in to get it off the ground.

“Hopefully, if all goes well, we can open some more shops. We will be having fund-raising nights so we can help with all aspects. We’re hoping to expand not only in Blackpool, but the surrounding areas as well.”