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It opened in February 2006 right in the city centre. Currently, there are two workers: a part-time health worker, Sarah, and a community development worker, Rachel Nauwelaerts, currently in her third month at The Centre.
‘My job is to support existing groups,' she says. ‘Fundraising, room space, resources, that sort of thing. And I'm also involved in supporting and developing new groups such as a health workers' support group.'
Nauwelaerts also liaises with ‘mainstream’ agencies. ‘Some of them aren’t particularly lgb-friendly, ‘she says, ‘and I help them look at their policies to make them more lgb-friendly.’
There are currently over 20 lgb groups in Bradford, many of whom are involved, in one way or another, with The Equity Centre.
Nauwelaerts’ job also involves talking to them and trying to find out how they can be supported: ‘And if we can’t help them, then I try to find out who can.’
The Centre is a point of contact for new groups. The LGB Groups Forum (which meets every two months) is a great way for people to get to know each other and see what else is going on: ‘33 people came to the last one,’ she says - which is impressive for somewhere the size of Bradford. ‘It felt like a party! It’s very positive and helpful and as we’re getting bigger, more people come along and say “We’re setting this up - can you help?” ’
This year they’re hoping to be involved with an LGB Community History Project.
As well as the lgb groups, other bodies - such as the police, health authorities and Bradford Council - are also involved.
‘We’re part of the Bradford Equality Forum,’ she says, ‘and we have representation on the homophobic scrutiny panel. We’re hoping to do some partnership work with the youth service in Bradford. Sarah, the health worker, works a lot with the Primary Health Care Trusts and the universities. Mainstream agencies are very supportive - they wanted to know more about what we’re doing and how they can be involved.’
The origins of The Equity Centre go back a fair way: ‘Before my time, Bradford had a LGB Community Centre in Manningham. There’s a big group of very committed people in Bradford, and there was always talk about a central space to meet - and lo and behold, now we have it!’
So what other projects is she getting involved with?
‘We’re looking into older people’s support; and there’s nothing for the mid-20s to 40s, so we’re looking into some sort of open-access to the centre.’
Bradford’s gay scene has been very helpful and supportive: ‘The managers of The Sun and ClubLife are more than happy to run fundraisers during Bradford Pride this year - they’ve been really great. We’re waiting to find out when Lord Mayor’s Parade’s on and there’s talk of film nights and a street party. We have a Pride subgroup, so if anyone’s interested they should get in touch: costume-making, ideas, painting, building etc.’ The Centre produces a bimonthly newsletter - email or phone to subscribe to it.
‘We need Bradford people to tell us what they want,’ adds Nauwelaerts. ‘That’s what we’re all about!’
Phone: 01274 727 759
Email: rachel@equitypartnership.org.uk
Stories from the magazine this month:
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