Our History
The Lesbian Community Project was started in 1997, when Manchester
City Council undertook a review of the voluntary sector services
for lesbians and gay men. This review highlighted significant
gaps in the service provision for lesbians. This showed a need
for more women-only spaces, groups and support.
From this review, the post of Lesbian Participation Worker
was established in March 1998, supported by a Manchester City
Council Voluntary Sector grant to provide information and support
to lesbians living in Manchester. Community Health Resources
Ltd (CHRC - now renamed Diverse Resources) took on the task
of managing the post and the budget, and provided support to
the new worker.
On the basis of recommendations in the review it was agreed
that the work should be concentrated on developing groups and
networks, and facilitating the dissemination of information.
This work was prioritised to focus on older lesbians, BME lesbians,
disabled lesbians and lesbians with children - a focus that
is still maintained today. The first newsletter was produced
and distributed in December 1998. New lesbian groups were set
up including a lesbian parenting group and a lesbian football
team.
Additional funding was secured in 1999, allowing the creation
of a part time information and administration post. The project
was renamed the Lesbian Community Project.
The Project became independent of CHRC in 2000. At the end
of October 2001, the Project moved to the Lesbian Gay Centre
on Sidney Street, creating more space and making it more accessible.
In 2003 the LCP took the decision to change the way it was
governed and became a Registered Charity (1098158) and a Company
Limited by Guarantee (4657590).
Today, we are the only full time project in the UK dedicated
to providing advice, information and social opportunities for
lesbian and bisexual women.
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