A new initiative in Brighton and Hove will bring extra support for the gay community, funded by a grant from BIG (Big Lottery Fund).

The cash comes from BIG's Reaching Communities programme, which supports groups working with some of the most isolated people across the country.

Research by the Intercom Trust shows that around 80 per cent of LGBT people are suffering ill health or increased isolation which could be rectified through early intervention.

THT (The Terrence Higgins Trust) has plans for 2010, with a grant of £262,849, to promote support services to gay men in Brighton and Hove which may help them to deal with any emotional, psychological and sexual health issues they face associated with their sexuality.

The project will provide a number of new services to better disseminate information, and recruit a specialist worker and team of volunteers from within the gay community, to provide targeted outreach work and specific support to reduce stigma within the wider community and reduce instances of HIV infection through better education. Local forums will also be created to allow potential beneficiaries to have a greater input into the services they receive.

Sue Peters, Regional Manager for Terrence Higgins Trust in Brighton & Hove said:
"We're thrilled that the Big Lottery Fund has helped to make this project a reality. It's the largest grant that THT in Brighton & Hove has ever received from a voluntary source and it will enable a huge expansion in our work in the region.

"HIV and STI rates in Brighton aren't going down, so this funding comes at a crucial point. Our project, 'Informed Passions', will be run by local people, for local people, and we believe it will really make an impact where it's most needed. THT is keen to involve people who are disproportionately affected by sexual ill-health in 'Informed Passions, including gay and bisexual men, to maximise the success of the project."

Alison Rowe, Big Lottery Fund's Head of Region for the South East, said:
"By involving the very people this project is aiming to support in its conception and management, it is sure to make a genuine difference to the gay community of Brighton and Hove. I am delighted that BIG can support such worthwhile causes and that Reaching Communities funding will continue to support worthy causes across the South East throughout 2010."


For more information about BIG view:
www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

For more information about THT view:
www.tht.org.uk