Cash crisis at LGBT violence charity

THE country’s only LGBT domestic violence charity faces closures in 48 hours unless it raises £25,000.

The Home Office had indicated that funding would be extended for Broken Rainbow but no cash has been handed over.

Rotherham MP Sarah Champion, the shadow minister for domestic violence, highlighted the charity’s plight in February.

Now, a GoFundMe page has been set up to keep the service running for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Jo Harvey Barringer, chief executive of Manchester-based Broken Rainbow, said: “For our funding not to be renewed or replaced will result in the helpline services being severely reduced or potentially closed down.

“We’ve supported thousands of LGBT people this year and, if we were to close, there are very few other services for them to go to, and not one that offers national support in the way we do.”

A spokeswoman added: “The charity was coming to the end of its main funding stream in March and has had no clear confirmation from the Home Office whether it will be extended.” 

Fundraising website GoFundMe has offered to match each donation made. Visit www.gofundme.com/brokenrainbow to help.