Armistead Supports International Day Against Homophobia
11/05/2016
On 17th May, Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust’s (LCH) Armistead Centre is supporting International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT).
IDAHOT was created to draw attention to discrimination, abuse and violence experienced by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) community.
The Armistead Centre provides a free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing service for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people and also provides support for male and female sex workers, serving as third party reporting centre for the victims of hate crime.
The focus for this year’s IDAHOT events will emphasise the impact of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia on individual’s mental health and wellbeing.
During the build-up to the day, outreach workers from the Armistead Centre will be visiting local colleges, universities and work places to raise awareness about IDAHOT and promote the support services available.
You can find the team at each of the following locations & times:
- Monday 9th May 2016- 10.00am-12.30pm- City of Liverpool College, Vauxhall Road, L3 6BN
- Tuesday 10th May 2016- 10.00am-12.30pm- City of Liverpool College, Duke Street, L1 5BQ
- Wednesday 11th May 2016- 4.30pm-7.30pm- Glenville University Campus
- Thursday 12th May 2016- 10.00am-2.00pm- Bronte Youth and Community Centre, L3 5NB
- Thursday 12th May 2016- 12.00pm-2.00pm- City of Liverpool College, Clarence Street, L3 5TP
- Thursday 12th May 2016- 4.30pm-7.30pm- North western university Campus
- Thursday 12th May 2016- 2.00pm-5.00pm- Various LCH Sites
- Friday 13th May 2016- 10.00am-12.30pm- City of Liverpool College, Learning Exchange, L1 9DW
- Friday 13th May 2016- 1.00pm-3.00pm- Navajo Merseyside and Cheshire LGBTI Annual Awards
- Tuesday 17th May 2016- 9.00am-3.00pm- Barclays IDAHOT Event
On Sunday 15th May 2016 from 1.00pm – 4.00pm the Armistead Service will also be available to chat to at an IDAHOT Liverpool event at Liverpool John Moores University, Redmond’s Building, 70 Mount pleasant, L3 5UR.
This FREE event is open to all members of the public and includes guest speakers, and a range of entertainment and information stalls from various support services and networks. Refreshments will also be available.
Jo Lightwood, Team Leader for the Armistead Centre said:
“IDAHOT Day marks an important date in the LGBT calendar, giving us a great opportunity to raise awareness around how homophobia and transphobia can impact on a person’s mental health and wellbeing. It also allows us to call attention to LGBT support services and our close partnership work with Merseyside Police in tackling homophobic and transphobic hate crime.
“The day will highlight the impact of hate crime on individuals and wider communities and allows services like ours to reaffirm our commitment to challenging and addressing homophobia and transphobia. Importantly, it is a reminder to everyone of the importance of reporting all forms of hate crime and that there is help and support available.”
She adds, “Our services are constantly developing to support more people’s needs too. For example, the Armistead Centre is currently working in partnership with a number of services to launch a support group for refugees and those seeking asylum, who are part of the LGBT community.”
Assistant Chief Constable, Chris Armitt from Merseyside Police said:
“Flying the rainbow flag during IDAHOT is an important visible sign of the Police’s dedication and commitment to eradicating homophobia, transphobia and hate crimes against members of these communities.
“This forms part of our larger commitment to tackling hate crime in all its forms, and we want the message to be clear to victims and offenders that offences involving disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender will not be tolerated by Merseyside Police.”
“Merseyside Police is continually striving to raise awareness of hate crime in all of its forms. We always encourage victims and witnesses to report hate crimes to our specialist ‘SIGMA’ hate crime investigations unit, who will treat each case with professionalism and sensitivity and provide on-going support as their case goes to court.
“The rainbow flag signifies pride, inclusivity and diversity and we are proud to be working closely with other agencies to change attitudes and promote differences, ensuring we treat all people fairly and equally in the communities that we serve.”