This month, some of Provide’s Governors visited Colchester-based LGBTQ+ charity, The OutHouse, to deliver a donation of £2000 on behalf of all our colleagues at Provide.
The OutHouse was founded in 1979 in Colchester to help those suffering from the AIDS/HIV crisis and remains Essex’s only LGBTQ+ charity. They deliver a range of specialist services including one-to-one counselling, training and support groups.
The OutHouse’s journey began as Colchester Gay Switchboard before they re-located to 19 East Hill in Colchester’s Town Centre. The charity provides a space where members of the LGBTQ+ community can support one another.
Karl Winchester, Chair of the LGBTQ+ network at Provide said, “As a Community Interest Company, supporting local charities such as The OutHouse, is integral to our mission. The OutHouse offers life-changing support and services for LGBTQ+ people of Essex. At Provide we offer an open, non-judgmental, and inclusive environment for all who identify as LGBTQ+ and Provide hope that this donation can allow The OutHouse to continue delivering vital services to the LGBTQ+ community.”
Dan Finch, Media Officer at The OutHouse said, “This donation means a great deal for us, it always helps to have outside donations who are aware and supportive of the work we’re doing in Colchester. We’re absolutely delighted and incredibly grateful for the donation.”
“This donation will be a massive help in funding our LGBTQ+ toolkit which includes items such as posters, flags and binders for trans individuals. With this donation, we’ll be able to take these materials and items to upcoming LGBTQ+ events.”
“One of the beautiful things we do at our charity is that we’re absolutely dedicated to being a one-stop-shop for all LGBTQ+ people, and this donation means a huge deal to The OutHouse, and we couldn’t be more grateful for this generous donation.”
Provide Community is so pleased to have been able to support this local charity which is doing fantastic work for the LGBTQ+ network in Colchester and across East Anglia. To find out more about The OutHouse visit https://theouthouse.org.uk/ or telephone 01206 871394.