Newington Wellbeing Network (NWN) is a community organisation, based in Newington ward, Ramsgate, Kent, that aims to connect people who might usually be isolated and lonely.
Last year a young resident called Aimee Harvey joined their Management Committee and brought a lot of fresh ideas with her. Being a member of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community herself, Aimee suggested that an event could be held to bring this group of often ‘hidden away’ people together.
Aimee explained that being LGBT+ means people can be in the closet and afraid to come out for fear of rejection, they often experience mental health issues, face prejudice and discrimination and don’t know where to turn to for support and information.
The NWN Management Committee agreed that organising an LGBT+ day of Celebration and Information sharing would be a really valuable way to support this section of the communities and have now made plans for the event to take place on February 21, to coincide with LGBT History Month.
Sheree Bell, from Kent County Council Community Support, who has worked with Aimee on the event, said: “Newington Wellbeing Network is interested in empowering and connecting people so that they become more resilient and lead better quality lives. Through running this day of LGBT+ Celebration the network hopes to reach more marginalised people and give them valuable support and information. We have invited some amazing and inspirational speakers, there will be information stalls, music, a prize-winning quiz and even a free lunch. The day has been supported not only by NWN but also by KCC, Ramsgate Town Council and LGBT pub, Sundowners. Our thanks go out to them for making it possible”.
Newington Wellbeing Network is managed by a group of committed volunteers who give up many hours of their time for the local communities, however they always need more people to get involved and help.
If you’d like to offer your services with this event, or be involved with other work that they do (including sitting on the Management Committee), then do get in touch via their website or Facebook group. They welcome partnerships with local groups and organisations.
The LGBT+ Day of Celebration and Information will take place on Wednesday, February 21 at Newington Community Centre, Princess Margaret Avenue, Ramsgate, CT12 6HX.
The event is ticketed and priority will be given to members of the LGBT+ communities and their allies.
To register for the day, click here:
Alternatively telephone Sheree Bell on 07919 493 297 for further information.
To find out more about Newington Wellbeing Network, click here:
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