Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard

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Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard is a charity for LGBTQ+ people looking for a sense of community, support or information.

We connect people and support them directly through specially developed Switchboard services or link them to other organisations.

📣 We’re recruiting.Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard is looking for a Senior LGBTQ+ Independent Domestic Violence Advisor...
16/10/2026

📣 We’re recruiting.

Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard is looking for a Senior LGBTQ+ Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join our Domestic Abuse Service.

This is a senior role leading the day-to-day delivery of our specialist LGBTQ+ domestic abuse advocacy service. You’ll support and supervise the IDVA team, provide oversight on risk and safeguarding, and work directly with survivors experiencing high-risk or complex domestic abuse.

We’re looking for someone with strong domestic abuse advocacy experience, a good understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences of domestic abuse, and experience of supervision, safeguarding and multi-agency working.

đź“Ť Brighton & Hove
đź•“ Full-time
đź’Ľ ÂŁ33,000-ÂŁ35,000, depending on experience
đź“„ 1-year fixed-term contract

Applications close Friday 23 October 2026 at 5pm.
Provisional interviews will take place week commencing 26 October.

We particularly encourage applications from Black and non-Black people of colour, who are currently under-represented in our team.

Read the full job pack and apply here:
https://www.switchboard.org.uk/jobs/

To apply, send your CV and a cover letter of no more than two pages to:
[email protected]

Please share with anyone who might be a great fit.

We're delighted to announce London S***m Bank as the Headline Sponsor of Still Switched On, Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchb...
15/10/2026

We're delighted to announce London S***m Bank as the Headline Sponsor of Still Switched On, Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard's 50th Anniversary Fundraising Gala.

London S***m Bank Brighton is the UK's leading provider of donor s***m, dedicated to helping people build remarkable families through all paths to parenthood.

We're grateful for their generous support as we celebrate 50 years of Switchboard and raise funds to continue our work with LGBTQ+ communities.

"We are proud to join Switchboard in celebrating its 50th Anniversary Gala, reflecting our shared commitment to inclusion and supporting LGBTQ+ communities across Brighton & Hove and beyond."

- Albena Keeble, General Manager, London S***m Bank

A big thank you to London S***m Bank Brighton for helping us mark this milestone.

Join us on Wednesday 25 November at Palm Court Restaurant on Brighton Pier for an evening of comedy, cabaret and fundraising.

Individual tickets are available, and everyone is welcome.

Book your tickets:
https://bit.ly/2026-gala-single-tickets

To find out more about London S***m Bank Brighton visit:
www.londons***mbank.com

What's included in a night at Still Switched On?We're getting ready for a very special evening at Palm Court on Brighton...
14/10/2026

What's included in a night at Still Switched On?

We're getting ready for a very special evening at Palm Court on Brighton Pier, and there's plenty to look forward to.

Your ticket includes a two-course meal, welcome fizz, table w**e or drinks, and a goody bag filled with exclusive surprises.

And the entertainment? An evening of comedy, music and cabaret featuring award-winning performers Suzi Ruffell, Hannah Brackenbury and Anubis, with the fabulous Ophelia Payne hosting.

But there's another reason to join us. Still Switched On is also a fundraising celebration, helping Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard continue supporting LGBTQ+ people after 50 years of serving our community.

Come along on your own, bring a friend or make an evening of it with a group. Everyone's welcome.

Wednesday 25 November | 6.30pm-11pm
Palm Court Restaurant, Brighton Pier

Book your tickets:
https://bit.ly/2026-gala-single-tickets

It's National Hate Crime Awareness Week, and we want to talk about something that doesn't always get enough attention: w...
12/10/2026

It's National Hate Crime Awareness Week, and we want to talk about something that doesn't always get enough attention: what happens after someone experiences hate.

It could be homophobic abuse shouted across the street, a threat on the bus, or someone repeatedly targeting you online.

The incident might be over in seconds, but its effects can last much longer. You might start avoiding certain places, feel nervous going out alone, or think twice about holding your partner's hand in public.

Nobody should have to make those decisions because of who they are.

At Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard, we know that reporting hate-motivated incidents isn't always straightforward. Some people worry they won't be taken seriously. Others simply don't want to go through the experience again.

But if something has happened to you, or you've witnessed it happening to someone else, there are options.

You can report hate crime or hate incidents to Sussex Police by calling 101 or online:
www.sussex.police.uk/ro/report/hate-crime

If you'd rather speak to someone independent of the police, Galop provides confidential support and advice for LGBTQ+ people affected by hate crime.

Call 0800 999 5428 or visit:
www.galop.org.uk/hate-crime

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

You don't have to be certain that what happened was a crime before asking for advice or reporting it.

One night, 50 years in the making!Picture a Wednesday evening on Brighton Pier, with comedy, drag, music, a little glamo...
11/10/2026

One night, 50 years in the making!

Picture a Wednesday evening on Brighton Pier, with comedy, drag, music, a little glamour and a room full of people coming together for a very special celebration.

On Wednesday 25 November, we're celebrating 50 years of Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard with Still Switched On, our anniversary fundraising Gala at Palm Court.

Suzi Ruffell headlines, alongside musical comedian Hannah Brackenbury and Anubis from RuPaul's Drag Race UK, with the fabulous Ophelia Payne hosting.

There'll be dinner, comedy and cabaret as we celebrate 50 years of Switchboard and raise funds to keep supporting LGBTQ+ people across Brighton & Hove and beyond.

Whether you're coming with friends or treating yourself to a night out, we'd love you to be part of it.

Individual tickets are available. There's no need to reserve a whole table.

Wednesday 25 November | 6.30pm-11pm
Palm Court, Brighton Pier

Book your tickets:
https://bit.ly/2026-gala-single-tickets

Today is National Coming Out Day.There are countless coming-out stories we could share, but we've chosen one that takes ...
11/10/2026

Today is National Coming Out Day.

There are countless coming-out stories we could share, but we've chosen one that takes us back to a particularly difficult chapter in British LGBTQ+ history.

On 27 January 1988, Sir Ian McKellen publicly came out as gay during a BBC Radio 3 discussion about Section 28, legislation that sought to restrict how local authorities could address homosexuality.

It wasn't a carefully planned announcement. While challenging the proposed law, Ian simply spoke openly about his own sexuality.

"I don't believe that, any more than a book could have turned me into a heterosexual."

Nearly four decades later, with renewed debates about LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion, his words still feel relevant.

We've made progress since 1988, but some of the fears and misconceptions that shaped those debates haven't entirely disappeared. Today, we're seeing similar fears and misconceptions directed at trans and non-binary people, whose identities, rights and place in society are increasingly being questioned and debated.

Ian's story reminds us how much visibility can matter, particularly when speaking openly carries risks.

But coming out is always a personal choice. Nobody owes anyone an explanation of their identity, and nobody should feel pressured to come out before they're ready, or at all.

At Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard, we believe everyone deserves the freedom to be themselves, whether they're out, questioning or keeping their identity private.

You can read the full transcript of Ian McKellen's historic radio interview, and his own reflections on coming out, here:

https://mckellen.com/activism/activism_coming_out.htm

10/10/2026

As World Mental Health Day comes to an end, we're sharing a reflection from Martin Sargeant, Chair of our Lived Experience Advisory Board for Gambling Harms.

Throughout today, we've explored how lived experience can help shape services and bring valuable understanding to the support we offer.

Martin brings another perspective.

In this video, he talks about the hope that can come from hearing someone else's story, even when that story is difficult or painful.

For Martin, hearing others speak openly about their experiences helped him recognise that change and healing were possible in his own life.

His reflections are a reminder that sharing our experiences isn't only about looking back at difficult times. Sometimes, it's what helps someone else imagine a different future.

We're grateful to Martin and everyone who chooses to share their experiences, helping others feel less alone.

For World Mental Health Day, we're sharing the words of Lejeanne Knott, a member of our Lived Experience Advisory Board ...
10/10/2026

For World Mental Health Day, we're sharing the words of Lejeanne Knott, a member of our Lived Experience Advisory Board for Gambling Harms.

"I think sometimes we underestimate the value of what we’ve lived through. Our experiences can give us an understanding that you simply can’t get from reading about something. Being able to share that, and knowing it can help someone else or influence change, can make something difficult feel meaningful."

Lejeanne's words remind us that lived experience brings something valuable to conversations about mental health and support.

It's not simply about sharing what happened. It's about recognising that personal experiences can help others feel understood and contribute to meaningful improvements in the services people rely on.

We're grateful to Lejeanne and everyone who contributes their time, experiences and perspectives to our work.

10/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day, and this year's theme focuses on lived experience, real voices and real change.

At Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard, we believe that people who have experienced challenges first-hand should have a meaningful say in how support services are developed and delivered.

In this video message, Ben Howard, our Operations, BOLD and Gambling Harms Manager, talks about why lived experience matters to him, both personally and professionally.

He also shares how we're putting this into practice through our Lived Experience Advisory Board for Gambling Harms and plans for a steering group within BOLD (Bereavement, Older People, Loneliness and Dementia).

Importantly, Ben raises a question for organisations working with lived experience: how do we make sure people are properly supported and safeguarded when sharing experiences that may be deeply personal?

It's a conversation worth having, not just today, but whenever we're designing services intended to support others.

An evening worth dressing up for. A cause worth coming together for.Join us for Still Switched On at Palm Court, Brighto...
09/10/2026

An evening worth dressing up for. A cause worth coming together for.

Join us for Still Switched On at Palm Court, Brighton Palace Pier, with dinner, comedy and cabaret, headlined by Suzi Ruffell.

We're celebrating 50 years of Switchboard and raising funds for the support our LGBTQ+ communities need today, and in the years ahead.

Wednesday 25 November

We'd love you to celebrate with us.
https://bit.ly/2026-gala-single-tickets

Address

CommunityBase, 113 Queen's Road
Brighton
BN13XG

Telephone

+441273204050

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