Zhoosh! is a new information and networking hub for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community of Brighton & Hove.
 
It provides a portal that brings together organisations, charities, support, social & sports groups, facilities and other services relevant to the LGBT community of Brighton & Hove. It connects people wanting to find out about what's available with those already involved in LGBT community groups and activities. Zhoosh launched in February, and is the creation of entreprenuer Susan Luxford, with the help of a Millennium grant from UnLtd, the foundation for social entrepreneurs.
 
There are four key areas of Zhoosh!
·      A comprehensive and up-to-date Directory of over 70 groups.
·      A calendar of unique events and fundraising activities hosted by or of benefit to local organisations and services.
·      The Zhoosh Network enabling communication and networking between groups, their members and other users on the site who may be interested in joining.
·      The Zhoosh Blog which will report, reflect, interview and comment upon life in LGBT Brighton & Hove by a team of bloggers.
 
Susan Luxford, founder of Zhoosh, said,
“I'm really excited about this project and what it gives to the community. The underlying zeitgeist is that people feel fully informed and connected together via a central on-line hub.  It offers an alternative to the pubbing and clubbing scene for those who want to make new friends and take up new interests. Now there's an easy accessible way to discover this much overlooked side of the LGBT community and for people to get involved in all it has to offer.”

"This website addresses a need in Brighton & Hove for those who identify as LGBT and want to find out about the ever increasing range of facilities and services available to them. For groups and organisations, the site provides a platform to disseminate information quickly & easily, promote themselves and keep in regular touch with their members & supporters. It provides a hub where people can easily access up to date information and where individuals aresupported & encouraged to access available social resources, thus reducing any isolation they may feel because they identify as LGBT.
 
"In 2007 a research project ('Count me in too') by the University of Brighton, to discover the needs of LGBT individuals in Brighton & Hove, was carried out. Results are compiled from 819 completed questionnaires and 20 community focus groups.
 
"This research found that people perceive a lack of a central information-source providing information about LGBT services, life and activities in Brighton & Hove. People who organise groups and events, and people who want to find out about them, both commented on this. Throughout the focus groups there was an assertion that Brighton & Hove lacked a hub that offered coherent and connected information about LGBT services, life and activities in Brighton & Hove.

The research identified a need for a website portal which would link to all LGBT friendly groups and services, LGBT officers, as well as offering adverts for social events, networking, possibilities of connecting people and information about the scene and other LGBT activities."

For more information:
email: susan@zhooshbrighton.co.uk or view: www.zhooshbrighton.co.uk