Brighton and Hove LGBT Switchboard is a community organisation and registered charity providing support services run for and by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people in the heart of the LGBT community since 1975. Their mission is to listen, support and inform.
Andy Lee has been volunteering with the charity for many years, across a range of roles from manning the phone lines and working with service users face-to-face as a qualified counsellor, to volunteering in the IT department and supporting staff and volunteers with their use of IT equipment.
Not only has Andy made a huge impact on the lives of the people who have been in touch with the Switchboard, he has enabled the staff and volunteer team at LGBT Switchboard to work more efficiently and professionally by upgrading their technology systems, providing them with IT skills that can be transferred into other areas of their life and work.
Over the last two years Andy has led the replacement and upgrade of all computers and software at the Switchboard, installing and setting them up, training staff and implementing a web chat feature to complement the telephone helpline. He’s also re-designed the website and trained staff in web editing and social media.
“Andy makes himself available to us wherever we need him to resolve an IT issue, need or problem – often popping into the office a few times a week to maintain and develop our IT systems, and support staff and volunteers in their use of our IT equipment.”
Maria Antoniou, Interim Director, Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard
By volunteering his time and skills, Andy has saved the organisation vital money, allowing more vulnerable LGBT people receive help, support and counselling.
