Projects & Case Studies

Case Study 1: Trailblazer Group

Overview

A 19-year-old trans man began attending the Trailblazer group after struggling to find a suitable LGBTQ+ space. Previously, he felt out of place at a coffee morning event. Trailblazer offered a safe, affirming environment where he could grow socially and personally.

Involvement

For the past four months, he has regularly attended Trailblazer, contributing actively to discussions and group activities. Equity provided targeted support, including workshops on CV building, advice on employment rights for trans individuals, and assistance with obtaining a properly fitting binder after experiencing discomfort with one purchased independently. Conversations about trans healthcare, particularly around top surgery, also played a key role in addressing his needs and concerns.

Challenges

Initially, he experienced significant anxiety, relying on friends to attend group sessions. Over time, his confidence grew, enabling him to attend alone when needed. While he expressed interest in attending adult trans groups for information on transitioning and healthcare, scheduling conflicts and anxiety prevented participation.

Impact

Trailblazer provided a space where he could feel “silly” and comfortable, building confidence in a supportive environment. Access to the binder library and educational discussions on employment rights and trans healthcare were transformative in addressing his unique challenges.

Equity Learning

• The need for more accessible adult trans group scheduling, including evening sessions.
• The importance of creating LGBTQ+ “dry” spaces for young adults transitioning from youth to adult support.
• The value of binder libraries to educate and support individuals in safe binding practices.

Case Study 2: Coffee Mornings

Overview

A non-binary person in their late 50s, experiencing anxiety and depression, faced increasing isolation after their support worker’s time ended. They relied heavily on a supportive family network but struggled with leaving home independently.

Involvement

Equity provided personalized support by accompanying them in a taxi to Coffee Socials and Games and Gab. This support built trust, enabling them to attend additional groups like Out of the Box, an online craft group. They participated in new experiences, including a self-defence session, which they wouldn’t have pursued alone.

Challenges

Their need for support in traveling to and from sessions required extra time and resources. They often needed encouragement and reassurance to commit to attending groups.

Impact

The opportunity to attend social events fostered friendships and significantly reduced isolation. Their confidence grew, and they expressed gratitude for the support provided, often sharing small tokens of appreciation, such as biscuits.

Equity Learning

• A travel budget or chaperone provision is critical for members with high support needs.
• Safe, accessible spaces allow individuals to engage meaningfully in social activities, reducing isolation and improving mental health.

Case Study 3: Sound

Overview

A 16-year-old gay trans boy from a Muslim South Asian background faced significant familial and systemic challenges, including emotional abuse and lack of support at home and school. He was referred to Equity through a school buddy program and has been attending for two years.

Involvement

He actively participates in groups like Shade, Spectrum, Sound, and Phoenix. Equity referred him to social services, enabling his move to supported living under a Section 20 order. Workshops, volunteering opportunities, and a summer camp for trans youth supported his personal growth and safety.

Challenges

Navigating the intersection of his LGBTQ+ identity and Muslim background caused internal conflict. He also struggled with loneliness, social anxiety, and boundary-setting. Adjusting to newfound independence in supported living presented additional risks around finances, relationships, and internet use.

Impact

Equity’s interventions provided a safe space to explore his identity and build confidence. Through peer support and workshops, he gained critical life skills and formed meaningful connections. The summer camp experience helped him feel less ashamed of being trans.

Equity Learning

• Highlighting the vulnerabilities LGBTQ+ individuals face, particularly regarding housing and discrimination.
• Addressing intersectional issues of race, religion, and LGBTQ+ identity in support services.

Case Study 4: NHS Training

Overview

Equity delivered five bespoke online LGBTQ+ awareness training sessions for a local NHS service, tailored to address the team’s specific needs.

Involvement

The sessions incorporated interactive activities, discussions, and reflective opportunities to address challenges in the evolving political landscape of trans rights. Tools like Menti.com were used to foster engagement and capture participants’ input.

Challenges

Adapting in-person content for online delivery proved demanding, requiring strategies to maintain engagement in a virtual setting. Reading participants’ responses was more difficult in the online format.

Impact

Staff gained confidence in applying LGBTQ+ knowledge in their roles, developed a deeper understanding of local resources, and improved their handling of EDI monitoring. Feedback indicated increased awareness and empathy towards LGBTQ+ service users.

Equity Learning

• Early clarification of delivery format (online vs. in-person) is essential.
• Structured breaks and interactive tools are vital for maintaining engagement in online sessions.

Case Study 5: Consent Workshop

Overview

We delivered a workshop on consent at the Sound youth group, using the consent compass model to explore consent in daily interactions and relationships. Young people participated in games and discussions designed to build confidence in expressing boundaries and saying no.

Challenges

• Some neurodivergent young people found it difficult to engage with abstract metaphors and hypothetical scenarios.
• The workshop acknowledged that consent discussions can evoke strong emotions but did not include dedicated aftercare for processing these feelings.
• The one-time nature of the session meant not all young people benefited from this valuable opportunity.

Impact

The workshop enhanced participants’ understanding of consent, with many engaging in meaningful discussions and reflecting on their personal experiences. Several young people identified past breaches of their consent and were empowered to seek support from staff.

Equity Learning

• Continued discussions about consent and healthy relationships are essential for fostering openness and empowerment.
• Workshops on sensitive topics should include aftercare for participants to process their emotions.

Case Study 6: Trailblazer

Overview

Person A, a gay Black man in his early 20s, fled West Africa to seek asylum in England after his sexuality was involuntarily disclosed, leading to threats to his safety. Upon settling in Bradford, he joined the Trailblazer group for LGBTQ+ young adults aged 18–30.

Involvement

Person A attended various social events, including a Halloween party and trips to Geek Retreat. These activities provided opportunities to connect with peers, enjoy downtime, and rebuild his sense of community.

Challenges

• He faced housing instability both before and after relocating to the UK.
• A recent move from Bradford to Halifax with little notice made accessing Equity’s services more challenging, especially given the financial strain of bus fares.

Impact

Equity provided a supportive space for socializing and connecting with peers, helping him navigate the challenges of seeking asylum and rebuilding his life in the UK.

Equity Learning

• Gained insight into the asylum seeker process and built resources to support LGBTQ+ asylum seekers in both Bradford and Halifax.

Case Study 7: Older & Bolder

Overview

A gay man in his 70s has been attending Equity for over a decade, seeking community and connection. Single and estranged from family due to his sexuality, he participates in various groups to combat loneliness and remain active.

Involvement

He regularly attends groups like Older & Bolder, Coffee Social, and Games & Gab. Despite health challenges and a health scare abroad, he continues to engage with Equity to maintain friendships and share his experiences.

Challenges

• Health issues occasionally limit his participation.
• He has shared concerns about his personal circumstances, including vulnerability, which require balancing emotional support without overstepping boundaries.

Impact

Equity has provided a consistent and safe environment for him to form lasting connections, reducing isolation and fostering a sense of belonging.

Equity Learning

• Loneliness and vulnerability affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
• Maintaining regular contact, even when members are abroad, is vital for their well-being.
• Offering inclusive options, such as sugar-free treats at events, can enhance accessibility for members with specific health needs.

Case Study 8: Shade

Overview

Girl C, a teenage lesbian from a mixed-race background (English and Pakistani), attends Equity groups to navigate her identity and personal challenges, including familial dynamics stemming from her parents’ divorce.

Involvement

C actively participates in groups such as Sound, Shade, and Youth Voice, traveling from another city to attend evening sessions. She values the support and understanding these groups provide, particularly as a queer South Asian person.

Challenges

• C struggles with feeling disconnected from one side of her cultural heritage.
• Navigating her identity in the context of divorced parents adds complexity to her experience.

Impact

Equity has provided a space for C to explore her identity and find community, giving her the tools to feel more confident in her cultural and sexual identities.

Equity Learning

• For those seeking connection, distance and scheduling challenges are often secondary to the need for supportive spaces.
• Staff must depersonalise conversations when addressing shared experiences to maintain professional boundaries while offering genuine support.

Case Study 9: Coffee Socials

Overview

D, a lesbian woman in her 40s, struggles with agoraphobia and social anxiety, making it challenging for her to leave home. With the support of a worker, and later a friend, she began attending Equity’s Coffee Social group.

Involvement

Over time, D transitioned from being quiet and reserved to becoming one of the most talkative members of the group. She also joined the Crafts Club, where she continues to build her confidence in social settings.

Challenges

• D requires accompaniment to attend sessions, which restricts her ability to participate independently.
• Her anxiety can make it difficult to engage consistently, particularly when her support network is unavailable.

Impact

Equity’s groups have provided D with a safe environment to build her confidence and reduce isolation gradually.

Equity Learning

• Progress can be slow but impactful; patience and consistency are key.
• Providing initial support and a welcoming atmosphere helps members transition into active participation.

Case Study 10: Sixth Form College Workshops

Overview

Equity delivered three workshops on LGBTQ+ identities and statistics during a sixth form’s Pride Week. A stall was also set up to provide resources and raise awareness among students.

Involvement

The workshops included activities like matching Pride flags with identities and a quiz on LGBTQ+ statistics. While engagement varied, many students asked thoughtful questions and provided positive feedback.

Challenges

• Some students made jokes about LGBTQ+ identities, highlighting gaps in awareness and understanding.
• One student discreetly accessed resources from the stall, indicating discomfort with publicly engaging in LGBTQ+ topics.

Impact

The workshops fostered greater understanding and awareness among students and staff. LGBTQ+ students expressed feeling more visible and supported within the school environment.

Equity Learning

• There is a continuing need for comprehensive LGBTQ+ education in schools.
• Creating visible LGBTQ+ presence in schools contributes significantly to the well-being of LGBTQ+ students.