Gary Pargeter volunteer co-ordinator at Lunch Positive and Chris Cooke from the St James Street LAT have been elected the new LGBT representatives for Community Works.
Community Works members (formerly the Community and Voluntary Sector Forum) elect representatives from within their membership to represent them around particular themes e.g. the environment, communities, children and young people, housing and also around equalities themes such as disabilities, carers, black minority and ethnic communities, Lesbian, Gay and Transgender communities, gender, older people, and faith.
Both Gary and Chris will represent Community Works members views at meetings of the city’s strategic partnerships and boards.
Gary Pargeter, said: “I feel extremely privileged to have been elected one of the Community Representatives for our LGBT communities. Brighton & Hove is a very special place and we are an important part of it. LGBT voluntary and community organisations play an invaluable role in supporting and improving the lives of our members and the city of a whole. Together with our achievements we have specific needs, which require the widest support and opportunity to influence decision making. Our LGBT organisations have a proud tradition of effective grassroots action, and this is an increasingly tough time for many of us. It’s essential that we are listened to, heard and understood, and our contributions are supported and sustained.
Chris Cooke, added: “I am honoured to be elected as one of the LGBT representatives on the newly formed “Community Works” (the old Community & Voluntary Sector Forum) alongside Gary Pargeter whom I have known for a number of years and greatly admire. Together we will make a formidable team.
“Most importantly for me as an LGBT Champion will be to ensure that our community has a loud voice at the highest levels, at the top-table, where strategic decisions are made affecting our daily lives.
“I am also pleased that this year the number of LGBT reps has been increased from one to two, thus reflecting the importance of the LGBT community in the voluntary sector. We’ve also got rather large shoes to fill as we’ll be taking on Jess Wood’s mantle (the previous incumbent) … so lots to live up to but as always, I’m relishing this fresh and exciting challenge”
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