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LGBT UNITY GLASGOW
28 King Street
Glasgow
G1 5PQ
Facebook: LGBT Unity Glasgow | Facebook Website: www.lgbtunity.org
Who We Are: LGBT UNITY GLASGOW
LGBT UNITY Glasgow, founded in 2014 and officially registered as a charity in August 2022, is a support group for LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers and refugees who have come to the United Kingdom in search of safety and humanitarian protection. Many of its members have fled life-threatening persecution, violence, or discrimination in their countries of origin due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The group provides a safe, inclusive, and affirming space where individuals can come together to share their lived experiences, express their identities freely, and advocate for their rights both within the asylum system and in wider society. In addition to LGBTQIA+ members, the group welcomes allies who stand in solidarity, helping to build trust, promote understanding, and foster meaningful dialogue across communities. Together, we work to challenge isolation, build resilience, and empower voices that have too often been silenced.
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Throughout 2024 and into 2025, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to supporting LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers through a wide range of services and initiatives. These include mental health awareness workshops, equality, diversity and inclusion sessions, community meals, social and cultural events, bi-weekly meetings, and casework assistance, among others. Our mission is to promote the meaningful integration of LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers into society; while simultaneously advocating for their rights and raising awareness of the profound challenges they continue to face because of persecution linked to their sexual orientation or gender identity. By working in partnership with organisations such as LEAP Sports Scotland, House Ball Scotland, Arika Art International, Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT), BEMIS, the Scottish Refugee Council, and the Scottish Queer International Film Festival (SQIFF), we continue to create valuable opportunities for our members to connect, express themselves, and thrive within inclusive and supportive spaces.
Aims & Objectives
Our aim is to promote equality, diversity, and human rights for the diverse LGBTQIA+ community, including refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every individual, regardless of background or identity, is treated with dignity and respect.
Our goal is to encourage active citizenship and ensure equal opportunities for LGBTQIA+ individuals from all walks of life, particularly those seeking refuge or asylum. Through our programs and advocacy work, we empower members of our community to participate fully in society and to have their voices heard in matters that affect their lives.
We also strive to advance health and wellbeing among LGBTQIA+ refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants at both local and national levels. By providing access to information, support services, and safe spaces, we promote positive mental health, reduce social isolation, and enhance overall quality of life for our community members.
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Our Values
Safeguarding and Human Rights:
We are dedicated to protecting and supporting LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers, upholding humanitarian principles and a firm commitment to universal human rights. Our work is grounded in dignity, compassion, and respect, ensuring that every individual feels safe, valued, and empowered to live freely.
Celebrating Cultural Diversity:
We believe that cultural diversity enriches society. By encouraging interaction and understanding between different communities, we help to build more dynamic, inclusive, and compassionate host societies. Our initiatives foster mutual respect and appreciation, promoting social cohesion and shared growth.
Resilience and Innovation:
We recognise the remarkable resilience and creativity within the LGBTQIA+ refuge ~~es~~ and asylum seeke ~~rs~~ community. Through our work, we aim to highlight their strength, resourcefulness, and unique perspectives, which contribute innovative solutions and positive change to the wider community.
Trustees:
| TRUSTEES | ROLE | DATE APPOINTED | STATUS |
| Vice Chair | 05/08/2022 | Active | |
| Trustee | 05/08/2022 | Active | |
| Secretary | 05/08/2022 | Active | |
| Chair | 13/12/2023 | Active | |
| Treasurer | 13/12/2023 | Active |
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Charity Structure, Governance & Management
Constitution:
LGBT UNITY Glasgow is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), officially registered on 5 August 2022. The organisation operates as a single-tier entity in accordance with the regulations set out by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). Its governance framework is defined by a structured constitution that clearly outlines the charity’s aims, objectives, membership provisions, and code of conduct. This constitution ensures transparency, accountability, and effective management in all aspects of the organisation’s operations.
Appointment of Trustees:
The appointment of trustees is governed by the organisation’s constitution. Trustees meet regularly to review policies, plan project activities, and oversee fundraising efforts to support operational costs and charitable initiatives. They also provide strategic guidance and practical support to strengthen the organisation’s efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.
The key responsibilities include:
Appointment: Trustees are appointed in accordance with the organisation’s constitution.
Strategic Leadership: Providing overall strategic direction to ensure alignment with the charity’s purpose and objectives.
Governance and Decision-Making: Holding regular meetings to develop policies, design initiatives, and oversee project implementation in pursuit of organisational goals.
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Financial Stewardship: Leading funding applications and fundraising campaigns, while ensuring full compliance with financial, legal, and regulatory reporting standards.
Accountability: Maintaining transparency with donors, beneficiaries, and stakeholders, and upholding fiduciary duties and statutory obligations.
Performance Management and Measurement: Establishing success indicators and key performance measures to evaluate progress towards the charity’s mission.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Overseeing the delivery of programmes and projects to ensure effectiveness, impact, and value for beneficiaries.
Policy Compliance: Regularly reviewing and reinforcing safeguarding, equality, and diversity policies to promote a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all.
Safeguarding Policy:
Safeguarding Policy
LGBT UNITY Glasgow’s Safeguarding Policy is designed to promote trust, engagement, and meaningful interaction among members over time. It aims to ensure that all individuals feel safe, respected, and supported within our community spaces. Any concerns relating to dishonesty, safety, or the welfare of members must be reported promptly to the executive committee, where they will be addressed with the utmost sensitivity and strict confidentiality.
This policy underpins our commitment to creating and maintaining a secure and inclusive environment where members can share experiences, seek peer support, and build positive relationships without fear of judgement or harm. Recognising that many of our members have endured violence, stigma, and discrimination, it is vital that our spaces remain respectful, calm, and free from any form of hostility. We uphold a zerotolerance approach to all forms of bullying, harassment, and discrimination, ensuring the safety and dignity of every individual. Volunteers, and trustees receive training to deliver inclusive and trauma-informed safeguarding practices, while clear and transparent reporting procedures ensure that any concerns are addressed promptly, sensitively, and effectively.
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Achievements:
One of our greatest achievements during the 2024–2025 period has been securing vital funding to sustain and expand our key programmes. These include our mental health awareness workshops, equality, diversity and inclusion training sessions, biweekly community meetings, volunteer development, community meals, and a variety of social and cultural activities. We continue to witness the positive and lasting impact these initiatives have on our members’ wellbeing, confidence, and sense of belonging. Participation levels have grown steadily, reflecting the value our community places on these opportunities. Our membership has now exceeded 300 individuals, with many travelling from across Scotland to engage with our services and benefit from the safe, inclusive, and empowering environment we provide.
Finances
In the financial year 4[th] August 2024 to 3rd August 2025, we achieved consistent growth of income with total of £53,851
Funding:
This year 2024 - 2025, we have been privileged to receive continued financial support from The National Lottery Community Fund, GCVS Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, and The Robertson Trust. In addition, we have benefited from several smaller but equally valuable grants from the Arnold Clark Community Fund, Impact Funding Partners, and the Scottish Refugee Council, alongside generous contributions from individual donors. These funding sources have been instrumental in sustaining our programmes and enabling us to provide essential practical and emotional support to LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers. They have also strengthened our capacity to deliver inclusive activities that promote wellbeing, empowerment, and social integration within our community.
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Volunteers:
Our team of volunteers plays a crucial role in delivering all of our services. Comprising 12 dedicated and active members, they ensure that events run smoothly, provide consistent support to our members, and oversee the effective operation of key initiatives such as our food bank, social activities, bi-weekly community meetings, and other training and workshops. These meetings are not only an opportunity for members to connect but also serve as a platform for volunteers to guide the organisation in delivering the most meaningful and impactful support. Their commitment helps foster a welcoming, inclusive, and empowering environment for all members of our community.
Service Users:
At LGBT UNITY Glasgow, our members are at the centre of everything we do. Their voices shape our activities, inform our values, and help define our organisational priorities. We hold regular consultations during meetings to ensure that every member has the opportunity to contribute and be heard. Our committee is made up of individuals who are longstanding, active members of the community, many of whom have dedicated years of service. Their experience, insight, and commitment play a vital role in guiding the organisation and ensuring that our services remain relevant, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers.
Collaborating with Others:
We work in partnership with a range of organisations, including LEAP Sports, the Scottish Queer International Film Festival (SQIFF), Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT), House Ball Scotland, Arika Arts International, the Scottish Refugee Council, Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership/NHSGGC, BEMIS, and MEARS Group. Through these collaborations, we deliver specialised programmes that address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers, providing tailored support across social, cultural, and wellbeing initiatives. These partnerships play a crucial role in creating safer, more inclusive, and empowering environments, enabling individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity, confidence, and security.
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Reserves Policy
LGBT UNITY Glasgow aims to keep reserves of £7000.00, equal to running costs for 3 months.
Events/Activities:
Our membership now includes over 300 people who are LGBTQIA+ and refugees and asylum seekers living across Scotland. This year 2024 to 2025 our activities included:
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Running our bi-weekly social meet ups.
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Offering community meals and emergency cash support.
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Mental Health Awareness Workshops.
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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Training and Workshops.
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Family event (supporting children and their families)
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Delivering gatherings and celebrations throughout the year.
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Sport Activities like football in collaboration with Scottish Refugee Council and LEAP Sport.
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1-1 advocacy and emotional support
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Supporting partners/other agencies to better understand the needs of the people we support.
Future Plans:
Our community of LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers face significant challenges, including discrimination, stigma, and, at times, violence in both their home countries and host nations. From 2025 to 2026, our strategic plans will be comprehensive, addressing urgent needs while fostering long-term integration and equality. A key priority will be securing sustainable, multiyear funding to expand our activities and ensure the charity’s long-term resilience. We aim to enhance our services by developing mental health support programs, strengthening LGBTQIA+ community networks, promoting intercultural dialogue, and raising awareness about the issues
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LGBTQIA+ refugees face. Additionally, we will conduct workshops, seek additional funding for one-on-one emotional support and advocacy, and improve our monitoring and evaluation systems. Furthermore, we will explore the feasibility of establishing a dedicated physical space for LGBT UNITY, including identifying suitable premises. We would establish collaborative partnerships enable the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and resources, allowing for a more coordinated and holistic response to the complex challenges this community faces. Through joint initiatives, organisations can deliver a wider range of services such as housing assistance, mental health support, legal advice, and cultural integration programmes while avoiding duplication and ensuring continuity of care. Partnerships will also strengthen advocacy efforts by amplifying the collective voice of LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers, influencing policy change, and promoting greater public awareness and understanding. Moreover, collaboration will also foster social inclusion by building bridges between communities and creating safer, more supportive environments where individuals can rebuild their lives with dignity, equality, and respect.
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Date: 17.11.2025
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LGBT Unity Glasgow SC051910
Receipts and payments accounts
For the period
from 04 August 2024 to 03 August 2025
Statement of receipts and payments
Expendable Total Fund
Unrestricted Permanent endowment Total funds
Restricted funds endowment previous
funds funds current period
funds period
to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
Receipts
Donation 1,307 1,307 1565
Grants 42,344 10,200 52,544 51054
Total receipts 43,651 - 10,200 - - - 53,851 52619
Payments
Payments made for training/workshops 10,200 10,200 9960
Volunteer expenses 3,342 3,342 1086
Transport expenses 16,116 16,116 15233
Payment for refreshments 2,842 2,842 2177
Food bank expenses/Community Meals 7,881 7,881 10719
Trustees meeting costs 202 202 85
Food Vouchers 2,850 2,850 1184
Rent (Venue Hire) 2,626 2,626 1454
Promotional material 2,507 2,507 906
Total payments 38,366 10,200 - - 48,566 42,804
Net receipts / (payments) 5,285 - - - 5,285 9,815
Transfers to / (from) funds
Surplus / (deficit) for year 5,285 - - - 5,285 9,815
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LGBT Unity Glasgow
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Notes to the Accounts
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Nature and purpose of
funds
1 Basis of accounting
These accounts have been prepared on the Receipts and Payments basis in accordance with the Charities & Trustee
Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended)Accounts (Scotland)
Regulations 2006 (as amended)
2 Nature and purpose of funds
Unrestricted funds are those that may be used at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the objects of the charity. The
trustees maintain a single unrestricted fund for the day-to-day running of the club.
Restricted funds may only be used for specific purposes. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are
raised for specific purposes.
3 Related party transactions
No other remuneration was paid to the trustees or any connected persons during the year 2024/25
4 Grants
A total of 53851 grants were awarded to LGBT Unity Glasgow for specific purposes.Restricted funds used according to their
purposes
5.Donations
A total of £1307 donations were received by LGBT Unity Glasgow for unrestricted purposes and used for external purposes of
the charity such as assets.
6 Costs Of Charitable Activities
The charity has had a total of £48566 money spent on charitable activities. Which include training , volunteer expenses , travel
and food banks , vouchers etc.
7 Governance Costs
The charity has spent £202 for Trustees meetings (Refreshments)
8.Conclusion
There is a balance of £ 21267of Cash/bank balance at the end of this financial year 2024/25.The charity has no new assets and
no liabilities for the year ending 3rd August 2025
Trustee remuneration If no remuneration was paid during the period to any charity trustee or person connected
to a trustee cross this box (otherwise complete section 3b) X
Trustee expenses If no expenses were paid to any charity trustee during the period then cross this box
(otherwise complete section 4b) X
Number of £
trustees
Trustee expenses - details Refreshment during Trustees Meetings 5 202
Other information
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Independent examiner’s report on the accounts
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Report to the
trustees/members
of LGBT UNITY
Registered
charity number
SC 051910
On the accounts Period start date Period end date
of the charity for
Day Month Year Day Month Year
the period
04 08 2024 to 03 08 2025
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Respective The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with responsibilities the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) 2005 Act and the Charities of trustees and Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement examiner of Regulation 10(1) (d) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether matters have come to my attention. Basis of My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts independent (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept examiner’s by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes statement consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
Independent In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention examiner’s statement 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and
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• to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations have not been met, or
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to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed: Name: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any):
Date: 26/11/2025
Address: ABA Services
Centre81,2/16 Braes Avenue
G81 1DP
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