Fancy putting something back into a community you at least occasionally get something from? Whether to help others, make new friends, enhance a CV or simply get a “warm glow”, Adrian Gillan highlights a need; and gives his top volunteering tips!

Headlines of middle class equality, commercial scene hedonism and “Pink Pound” affluence distract from the realities that many LGBT individuals face.Yet,social disadvantages exist as much within the “gay bubble” as they do for society in general, and being LGBT often attracts additional discrimination.

There are over 1,500 LGBT groups and voluntary organisations in the UK – from the well-known like Stonewall, to the less so, like Polari or Brothers & Sisters. They have a wide range of purposes, from campaigning around LGBT rights or providing LGBT-specific services, to simply bringing LGBT people together for social activities, to enjoy common interests or to give and take peer support.

Funding for charities is always tight, but particularly so if you are not deemed a “fluffy” or “worthy” cause. LGBT organisations often have to make less go further; and are dependent upon volunteers to assist in the delivery of services. Moreover, volunteers are not easy to recruit, retain and support; and thus getting more people to understand LGBT charities and give of their time is always important.

In relation to the wider charity sector, total income raised within the specifically LGBT voluntary sector is approximately £10 million per annum - between the 1,500 groups and organisations; with large chunks of that going to two or three bigger charities; and only 20% being raised from individual donations. This equates to 0.03% of the overall charitable income in England and Wales; so, compared to other, non-LGBT-specific charities, one can see that the money most LGBT organisations have is incredibly small.

If the Government’s estimate that 6% of the UK population (3.5 million people) are LGBT is correct, the LGBT community itself is giving just over 50p per person per year to LGBT charities.

So giving just a few extra coins can help a lot. And giving just a little volunteering time every so often can make a huge difference to any of the many small LGBT voluntary organisations around the country.

Here are just a few suggestions for LGBT-related volunteering to give you a taste…

UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group - provides information and advice on immigration rights for same-sex couples; and support for lesbian and gay asylum seekers - www.uklgig.org.uk

The Food Chain - provides nutrition services including home-delivered meals, essential groceries and nutrition advice to those chronically sick as a result of HIV-related illness - www.foodchain.org.uk

Your local LGBT Switchboard - provides an information, support and referral service for queer and questioning people from all backgrounds throughout the UK - www.switchboard.org.uk

Stonewall - campaigns and lobbies on LGB issues throughout Great Britain - www.stonewall.org.uk

Peter Tatchell Human Rights Fund - supports internationally renowned campaigner Peter Tatchell’s efforts to promote human rights, gay and otherwise, both in the UK and globally - www.tatchellrightsfund.org

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) - provides care and support to people who are living with HIV - www.tht.org.uk

Or why not just approach a local LGBT organisation you especially admire to see how you might help out; or to suggest organising a fundraiser, however large or small?

Or - from campaigning to camping - why not start up your own LGBT volunteer or community group, just like THT once did? For advice on how to: www.gmfa.org.uk/theguide?

And, of course, you can always get involved with your nearest pride: www.gaytoz.com/united/prides.htm

The Consortium of LGBT Voluntary & Community Organisations is the umbrella membership body for all LGBT not for profit groups and organisations in the UK. It acts as a representative to other agencies on LGBT issues like funding, policy and engagement; and provides direct support to members through information, advice, assistance and - crucially - promotion of the good work they do. For more information on groups and charities in your area, visit www.lgbtconsortium.org.uk and get involved.

Adrian Gillan