Who we are

Notts LGBT+ Network is a registered charity, run entirely by unpaid volunteers . Based in central Nottingham, we have been offering support and advice to the county’s LGBT+ community, their friends and family, as well as local organisations and businesses, since 1975.

Our network creates a safe space for people looking for information, advice and help relating to LGBT+ issues, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional well-being. We primarily work with over 18’s but we are able to signpost to organisations who work with under 18’s

We are proud to say that we have been able to help over 80,000 people since the network started and partnered with more than 100 groups and organisations across Nottinghamshire to raise awareness of LGBT+ issues.

Our aims

To provide information and support for:
- Members of the LGBT+ community in Nottinghamshire.
- Anyone seeking support with sexuality / gender identity.
- Friends, family or colleagues of the above.
- Organisations and businesses looking for information on LGBT+ issues.
To provide a comprehensive database of advice services, charities and organisations in Nottinghamshire that offer support to LGBT+ people.
To promote and support LGBT+ social groups and clubs in Nottinghamshire.
To work in partnership with organisations who share our commitment to the LGBT+ community in Nottinghamshire and have similar aims.
To offer training and support to our volunteers, as well as organisations and businesses across Nottinghamshire.

How we can help

Meet our Trustees

Our Board of Trustees oversee the governance and day-to-day running of the charity, alongside our amazing volunteers.

Hollie

Originally from Derbyshire, I moved to Nottingham back in 2019. After a few years in Nottingham, I became a volunteer and later Secretary/Trustee at Notts LGBT+ Network. Joining the volunteer group has seen me meet many wonderful people and make lots of great memories. I believe the work that the Network does is integral to support my local LGBTQ+ community and I’m extremely proud to be part of it. I look forward to all that we will achieve in the future. Aside from volunteering, I’m currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Nottingham, studying Queer Theory.
Tony

I’ve been a member of the Network since its foundation as Nottingham Lesbian & Gay Switchboard in the mid-1970s, and was Co-ordinator of the Switchboard from 1990-1996, as well as a Trustee once it became a charity. I retired from the University of Nottingham Library in 2005, after 35 years with the Library in four different roles within the institution. Since my retirement, I’ve volunteered for Oxfam, in both shops in Nottingham City, working on average 12 hours a week.
Richard

I’ve been volunteering with the Network for 14 years. During that time, I have learned so much and enjoyed being part of the catalyst for change and improvement, and watching the transformation of the charity. I also have experience of volunteering for several other charities and organisations, including Nottingham Pride. I’m continually driven to see the Network succeed and passionate that we are able to provide ongoing support to the whole spectrum of our diverse LGBT+ community.
Charlie

My career as a designer has taken me all over the world, and after eight years living in Hong Kong, I eventually settled back in my native Nottingham in 2020. I now lecture in fashion and textiles at NTU while running my design consultancy business. I originally joined the network in 2023 to make friends in the community, but my role as a volunteer ended up becoming so much more than just that, and I am so proud to champion the Nottingham LGBT+ community. When I’m not volunteering, you can find me playing D&D with friends, or trying out a new recipe in the kitchen!
Martin

Having previously been a journalist, I now run one of the largest PR agencies in the Midlands. With over two decades’ experience in the communications industry, I’m passionate about how we share our own story as a charity and how we help to make sure the voice of our community is heard. I’m proud to be a part of a charity that is full of compassionate volunteers who are committed and united to make a difference in both celebrating and safeguarding the LGBTQ+ community in Nottinghamshire.
Mala

I grew up in the 70’s and early 80’s (pre internet) whIch was a very different place in terms of attitude and acceptance of people who are different. Racism, as well as all forms of phobia, were the norm. I was a confused person, seeking to understand who I was, and my place in the world. In the intervening multiple decades, I have lived and worked in many different parts of the UK and France and now reside in Nottingham. Today, I am an assured and confident trans women who is humbled by the acceptance and love of my family and friends.
Dan

I grew up in the mining community in Mansfield in the 1980s. The long shadow of Section 28 and the AIDS crisis put the LGBT+ community far from my reach but through university and my career, I have not only come to terms and thrived in my sexuality but I’m driven to use my privilege to help lift up the broader LGBT+ community. I live with my husband in Beeston and recently became a dad of three including the dog. I’m a director at PA Consulting and, for the Notts LGBT+ Network Board of Trustees, my focus is around understanding our Operational and Policy development and helping to continually improve our IT.