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Out in the Bay: Supporting Lancaster and Morecambe’s LGBTQ+ Community Year-Round
As part of Pride Month, we are shining a light on Out in the Bay, a dedicated LGBTQ+ support organisation based in Morecambe and Lancaster. The group has received 11 grants totalling £27,910 from the Community Foundation for Lancashire, benefiting over 5,000 people.
Out in the Bay mission is to provide a safe, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those facing complex challenges such as mental health issues, addiction, and long-term health conditions like HIV.
A Lifeline During Winter Months
Their most recent grant from the Community Foundation will support essential winter services for LGBTQ+ clients, residents of No Labelz, and the wider community. The project offers a warm, welcoming space where people can be themselves, connect with others, and enjoy nourishing food.
“We want to create a space where people feel safe, human and wanted. Talking to others, eating together, and just being seen can be the difference between isolation and connection.”
Out in the Bay’s Team
Responding to Crisis with Compassion
The Covid-19 pandemic exposed deep vulnerabilities in the community, particularly among those who were shielding or living alone. Out in the Bay stepped up by offering hot meals, emergency food parcels, and mental health support, often to individuals who had nowhere else to turn.
“Many of our service users were already in a fragile state due to trauma or illness. The isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic intensified these issues. Our support helped them feel seen, valued, and connected.”
Out in the Bay’s Team
Building Belonging, One Person at a Time
Out in the Bay’s model of care goes beyond emergency response. With the help of CFL funding, they’ve developed:
- Peer-led support groups for trans men and women
- Social groups and drop-ins to reduce isolation
- One-to-one casework providing tailored advice and advocacy
- LGBTQ+ awareness training for schools, employers, and health providers
The team also plays a key role in regional and national LGBTQ+ advocacy, with a presence at UK Pride Network events and support for Morecambe and Lancaster Pride.
Looking Ahead
With ongoing needs around mental health, social isolation and food poverty, Out in the Bay continues to evolve its services to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Their work reminds us that Pride is a commitment to support, visibility, and equity all year round.