Kilmarnock’s LGBT group have been awarded the Vibrant Community Champion award in recognition of their hard work and commitment helping to support the young people of Ayrshire.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender group is a peer support group for young people, formed initially as a peer education group focusing on peer support. However, the young people involved realised that it was important to raise awareness of LGBT issues with a focus on homophobia and its terrible effects. The young people wanted to make a difference and to stop anyone going through the same negative situations they had.

From this desire for change, the Inspiring Change project was born. The group produced a peer education DVD and education resource pack which has been issued to schools and youth work partner agencies across East Ayrshire. They will be delivering peer education workshops to young people in the coming months and have already delivered LGBT awareness workshops, to mark LGBT history month, to employees from East and South Ayrshire Councils, the NHS and students at the Ayrshire College.

The group have won numerous awards at the annual LGBT Youth Scotland’s National Gathering and this recognition has allowed the group to garner recognition within the wider LGBT community. They are worthy winners of the Vibrant Community Champion award.

For further information on the LGBT group, Vibrant Community Champions or to nominate someone for the award please contact Margaret Macbain – vibrantcommunities@east-ayrshire.gov.uk