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The Open Table Network (OTN) creates and sustains safe, affirming faith communities for LGBTQIA+ people across England and Wales. We are seeking funding to enable us to continue supporting 40 local communities and respond to the growing demand for new communities across the UK.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
OTN balances a glaring inequality: while most public places now welcome us equally, LGBTQIA+ people are still not always welcomed in UK churches. We are significantly more likely to experience mental distress, which relates explicitly to discriminatory pastoral practices of local churches, and the church’s substantial contribution to negative attitudes toward LGBTQIA+ people in society (Oasis Foundation 2017).
Solution
The communities we establish and support improve mental health and well-being for members. On average, our members have experienced a 40% improvement in well-being after joining an Open Table community. 92% said being part of an Open Table community increased their sense of belonging, 89% said Open Table provided a safe space for them, and 87% feel less isolated and more socially connected than they did before joining an Open Table community.
