Merton’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people now have a new forum where they can talk about matters of interest and concern to them with Merton Council and other relevant agencies.

The forum – which was launched at Vestry Hall – will meet every three months and the next one is planned for Wednesday 8 October, again at Vestry Hall in London Road, Mitcham. Doors open at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start.

Representatives from Merton Council, Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust and Merton police are all expected to participate. The next meeting intends to focus on services for young LGBT people.

Councillor Tariq Ahmad, cabinet member for Community Safety and Engagement, which includes equalities and diversity, said: ‘The council is committed to building its services around what people living and working in Merton want and need. We are fortunate in Merton that we do have a diverse community and we are committed to ensuring that we address all forms of discrimination in the borough. It is also important to create channels of communication to listen to our residents. This forum is intended to do just that.”

The forum is open to LGBT people who live, work or spend time in Merton. If you are interested in coming along to the October meeting, please contact the Diversity and Community Engagement team by e-mail at diversityandcommunityengagement@merton.gov.uk, by telephone on 020 8545 4637 or visit http://www.merton.gov.uk/community/lgbt.

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