Press Release: Citizens Advice sponsors LGBT History Month

Citizens Advice, the national network of charities, is proud to announce sponsorship of LGBT History Month in February 2008. LGBT History Month celebrates the lives and achievements of the LGBT community, as well as the diversity of society as a whole. Founded and run by volunteers, LGBT History Month aims to encourage all sections of society to acknowledge and understand the lives of the LGBT community.

Paul Patrick, Co-Chair of LGBT History Month, said, “It is wonderful when an organisation with the reputation of the Citizen’s Advice Bureau recognises and wishes to be seen supporting our work. We are delighted that they wish to be part of what is now Britain’s largest, most dynamic and diverse celebration of LGBT lives and culture in Europe and we thank them wholeheartedly for their support.”

In an open letter to LGBT History Month, David Harker, chief executive of Citizens Advice said it was both an honour and a privilege to be part of the launch of LGBT Month. “For us working in partnership with the community to improve advice services and influence public policy on issues affecting the LGBT community is central to our approach. Citizens Advice is proud to be a partner of LGBT History Month 2008 and I’m certain we can do much to raise awareness of and champion the LGBT community and their access to rights.”

The Pre-Launch for LGBT History Month 2008 took place on 26th November 2007 at the Royal Courts of Justice, thanks to the support of the London Criminal Justice Board, London Crown Prosecution Service, and Channel 4. The event was well attended, with key note speeches by the Attorney General, Baroness Scotland and Barbara Follett, the Minister for Equality.

Paul Patrick added, “We are looking forward to the start of LGBT History Month and very much hope people will visit our website, look at what is going on across the nation, check out our sponsors, join our mailing list and chat to others through our Forum. There are all sorts of LGBT History Month events happening this February at a place near you, and we encourage people to add their own events to our calendar. Whatever else you do take a leaf out of the Citizen’s Advice Bureau book and get involved!”

Read the letter of support from the Chief Executive of the Citizens Advice Bureau and find out more about what they do here.