Our Rationale

Our Rationale

Lesbians and bisexual women may face particular challenges in relation to their emotional and physical well being. Homophobia, heterosexism and negative messages about being lesbian may leave women particularly prone to stress and depression. Many encounter discrimination, are victimised, and are confronted with homophobic verbal and physical bullying. Some will experience mental health problems, some will not.

There are lots of happy, confident, well-adjusted lesbians who are completely open about their sexuality. Lesbians who feel part of the gay community, who are open about their sexuality, are part of groups and are able to access supportive organisations, may be more likely to experience good mental health, than those lesbians who are isolated, lack accurate information and positive role models and do not feel part of lesbian communities.

W4W Essex recognises that because there are few organisations of our type we can be seen as representing the lesbian community and therefore we take pride in our professional and careful governance. We value our position in the voluntary - not for profit sector and strive to become more accessible to women who may find it difficult to approach statutory services through fear of possible prejudice and preconceived user prejudices.

Our Aims

W4W Essex aim to address issues of isolation by providing services appropriate to women's needs.

W4W Essex is committed to working in partnership with our members to provide accessible services to all members and prospective members regardless of their ethnic background, beliefs, age, disability, class, health, personal experience or family circumstances. We monitor accessibility and issues of inclusion to ensure this.

Our committee aims to work in ways that involve, empower and develop the members of the lesbian communities and to encourage the member's commitment to the growth of W4W Essex.

W4W Essex links up with other organisations to provide information about local and national events that might interest our members and publish details in our monthly diary and on our website.

Membership

W4W Essex defines itself as a group for Lesbian and Bisexual women, run by the membership.

Membership is open to all 'female born' women, over the age of 18, who identify as Lesbian or Bisexual or who are questioning their sexual identity.

Members are encouraged to become involved with the running of the organisation and to stand for committee membership.

Members are free to choose which events they attend and the amount of time they contribute to the organisation.

W4W Essex encourage networking and peer support within the membership.