The first ever comprehensive survey of the health needs of Bradford’s lesbian, gay and bisexual communities is taking place in April 07.

Bradford’s Equity Partnership is asking all lgb people who live, work or socialise in the district to fill in a questionnaire about their health and their experience of using health services. The confidential questionnaire has questions on general health, the impact of sexuality on health and asks for feedback on experiences of accessing health services.

Sarah, the health worker at The Equity Partnership, explained why they are doing the survey: ‘We need to find out what the current health needs of Bradford’s lgb communities are, so we can ensure that scarce health resources are targeted more effectively. We will use the results to work with health providers to develop new lgb-specific services and to make existing services more accessible to lgb communities.’

The questionnaire is completely anonymous and confidential. The Equity Partnership guarantees that no information will be collected or used to try to identify respondents. Copies are also available at The Sun and the Yorkshire MESMAC offices in Bradford or from The Equity Centre (phone number below). They also have email and web options - the survey can be completed online at the address below.

‘It’s really important that as many people as possible fill in the questionnaire,’ said Sarah. ‘...your answers are vital if we are to ensure that lgb people in Bradford get health services they that are right for them.’