This month the Count Me In Too research project launches its new LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Research Information Desk to support and promote use of research about LGBT people.

This new free service will support LGBT individuals, groups and communities in identifying evidence that can be used to strengthen funding bids, to inform service development, and in campaigning and advocacy work.

The Count Me In Too project gathered qualitative and quantitative data over a wide range of topics through a large-scale questionnaire and focus groups bringing together people who experience multiple marginalisation (e.g. LGBT people living with mental health difficulties).

Count Me In Too will run an Access to LGBT Data Day this winter, at which people wanting to research LGBT lives and needs can explore possibilities of using data for projects and gain exclusive access to LGBT research, including Count Me In Too.
 
Research is invaluable in understanding LGBT lives and catering for them, as well as supporting grants and bids. Count Me In Too holds a wealth of data from its work with LGBT people and service providers to gather and present evidence to promote positive changes for LGBT people in Brighton & Hove since 2005.
 
The Research Information Desk will signpost published research from the Count Me In Too project and other LGBT-related research from around the world, and will also offer the opportunity to access summaries of as-yet unpublished data from the Count Me In Too research.  

In addition to the access day the project plans to run two training days in the coming months that will help Brighton & Hove’s LGBT communities to make the best use of the Research Information Desk. These will provide information on how to access the Research Information Desk, how to ensure a data request is processed quickly and efficiently, and how to analyse and interpret the data received.
 
The Research Information Desk has initial funding until July 2010 from the South Eastern Coastal Communities programme. The project may seek funding to extend this service following evaluation during 2010.
 
To be informed of training days, including the Access to LGBT Data Day, contact Nick McGlynn on 01273 641993 or email lgbtresearchdesk@brighton.ac.uk

Ten reports and summaries have now been produced by the project and are downloadable at:
www.countmeintoo.co.uk

To request data visit:
www.countmeintoo.co.uk

or email lgbtresearchdesk@brighton.ac.uk