About Us

History of the Project

1997 - 1999

In 1997 Manchester City Council undertook a review of voluntary sector services for lesbians and gay men. This review highlighted significant gaps in the service provision for lesbians, and 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 Manchester City Council Voluntary Sector grant, to provide information and support to lesbians living in Manchester. Community Health and Resources Ltd (CHRC) – now renamed Diverse Resources – took on the task of managing the post and the budget, and provided support for the new worker.

On the basis of the recommendations contained 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, Black and Asian lesbians, disabled lesbians and lesbians with children – a focus that is still maintained today.

The first Manchester Lesbian Newsletter was produced and distributed in December 1998. New lesbian groups were set up, including a lesbian parenting group and a lesbian football team. Both of these groups are still going strong today.

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.

2000 - 2004

The Project became independent of CHRC in 2000, the original Project worker left and was later replaced by two new workers, working on a job-share basis. These workers, with the support of the information and administration worker, continued to take the work of the Project forward and build on the successes of the last three years.

At the end of October 2001, the Project moved to the Lesbian and Gay Centre on Sidney Street, creating more space for the Project and making it more accessible.

In 2002 the LCP took the decision to change the way it was governed and in 2003 became a Registered Charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee. At the end of 2002 we were awarded funding from Comic Relief to create a new post of Development Worker and to create a Business Plan.

In spring 2004 a new Board was elected, and specific priority was given to consolidating the organisation and ensuring that funding was sought to sustain the increasing demand for services. The Comic Relief Development Worker position was filled in June 2004. Consultation of over 200 women was carried out at Pride 2004 resulting in an increased number of women accessing the project and the development of new groups. The Project Co-ordinator left in September.

2005 - 2006

In June 2006 a new Board was elected. Jo Monkton is now the Chair of the Project. The Board are currently working on a strategic plan for the Project.

In early 2005 the Development Worker took on the role of Project Co-ordinator. A new Development Worker started at the Project in June 2006. The Project also currently has an Administration, Information and Finance Worker.

2007

The LCP is actively recruiting a new Treasurer after the previous post holder resigned. Funding has been applied for to secure the future of the 3 staff posts to ensure that the LCP can continue to operate at its current dynamic level.