Aross Rainbows, which offers talks and workshops for LGBTQ+ communities in Sussex, has come to the decision to close its LGBTQ+ Independent Domestic Violence and Abuse (IDVA) service, which will include the weekly drop-in and the six week course.
In statement, Across Rainbows said: “We are a small independent team who set out to create much needed support for our community in Brighton & Hove and Sussex. We have tried many ways to access funding but have found it increasingly difficult to keep going with little to no financial resources.
“In the (just short of a) year, we have run a 1:1 LGBTQ+ Specialist IDVA service, which has included being a source of support and advice, visiting court and police interviews and representing cases at MARAC (a regular local meeting to discuss how to help victims at high risk of murder or serious harm).
“We have ran a consistent LGBTQ+ Domestic Abuse Drop-in since we started last March, and our LGBTQ+ IDVA wrote and delivered a six week in-person course several times, for LGBTQ+ people who are no longer in their abusive relationships and are seeking support and guidance – a resource written by us and for us.
“We are hoping to regroup and rise once more when we can access some real funding for our support – so please keep us in mind for future.”
Luciana Cousin, Across Rainbows’ founder, added: “The closure of the Across Rainbows IDVA outreach service is primarily due to insufficient funding. Launched in March 2023 and spearheaded by Melanie Blackwell, the outreach service has supported many individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.
“Despite the unwavering dedication and the remarkable strides made by the service, the challenging reality of inadequate funding has led us to make the difficult decision to cease operations.”
Across Rainbows’ IDVA outreach service will close on February 14. The final drop-in will be tomorrow (Wednesday, February 7), 4-6pm, all welcome.
