Braintree Foyer starts LGBTQ+ community group for residents

The Braintree Foyer, in St Michael’s Road, is a supported housing site for people aged 18 to 35 run by the Salvation Army Housing Association.

Spearheaded by foyer resident Jane Mills, the group gives other residents and those in the wider community a place to get together.

She started to transition, aged 21, and felt like she was “an ugly caterpillar, transforming into a butterfly”.

Safe space - The Braintree Foyer (Image: Google Maps)

The group started in December last year and has grown ever since.

It includes people who identify as non-binary, pre and post-op, A-sexual, heterosexual, and homosexual, who are all encouraged to share their thoughts and ask questions.

Foyer support worker Sammy Carlton says there has been a positive impact on residents since the group started.

She said: “After the first meeting we were all in the garden and I witnessed residents have a conversation with someone who they had never spoken to before.

“I also witnessed a resident who is post-op advise someone who is pre-op about what to expect and where is the best place to go, giving them that support in a time which can be uncertain.”

The Braintree Foyer secured funding from Braintree Council and Eastlight Community Homes for the group over the next two years.

It also signed up to the House Proud pledge to demonstrate commitment to equality and support for LGBTQ+ residents.

Jane hopes the group will expand across Essex and in five years’ time, the goal is to have a charity focusing on support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Another dream is for the group to launch Braintree’s first Pride festival, with plans taking shape for this June.

For more details, contact the organisation on 01376 343433.