Umbrella, the provider of sexual health services in Birmingham and Solihull, is proud to announce that two of its partners, Birmingham LGBT and the Rape and Sexual Violence Project (RSVP), are winners of a prestigious national award.

Birmingham LGBT and RSVP are two of just eight charities from across the UK to be awarded the 2018 GSK IMPACT Award for improving health and wellbeing in their communities.

Both organisations went through a rigorous assessment process, being judged on innovation, management, partnership, achievement, community focus and targeting need. They saw off competition from more than 350 organisations to achieve the accolade and will receive £30,000 as part of the prize.

Birmingham LGBT provides a wide range of health and wellbeing activities for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities in Birmingham. They help individuals to realise their full potential and have equal access to what the city has to offer. They provide a range of services and activities, including sexual health, events, domestic violence, counselling, support, fitness and arts.

Steph Keeble, Director of Birmingham LGBT, said: “We are thrilled that we have been recognised for the impact that we have in our communities.

“We are proud to employ a team of enthusiastic and dedicated individuals who are passionate about what they do, from support and advice, to events and community projects. Every one of us is responsible for the continued success of Birmingham LGBT.”

RSVP offers support to children and adults in Birmingham and Solihull affected by sexual violence and abuse. The service has experienced a 40 percent increase in the last year and has had a big impact in helping victims of all types of sexual trauma. 86 per cent of adults and 91 per cent of children who have accessed the service say that it has increased their ability to cope.

Lisa Thompson, Chief Executive of RSVP, said: “We are absolutely delighted and proud that in our fortieth year of supporting abuse survivors, we have won such a well-respected award.

“We hope it will increase our profile and that more organisations will want to partner with us, but most importantly we hope it raises awareness of our services among people affected by sexual abuse who need them.”

To find out more about the event, visit the The King's Fund website.