derbyshireFRIEND (df) has been a central character in the local gay community since its launch in 1983. Originally the organisation, set up and run by enthusiastic volunteers from the local gay community, aimed to help other lesbians, gay men and bisexuals come to terms with coming out and meeting other lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. To this day that core aim still hasn't changed.

df is a voluntary agency offering free confidential advice, information and supportive listening for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals, including their families and friends.

We are also frequently contacted by people who feel that they have difficulties relating to transvestism and transgenderism. A unique feature of df is its befriending service, whereby callers are able to gain support and friendship from our volunteers. df is also becoming the central support organisation for most lesbian, gay and bisexual organisations in Derbyshire offering our services in time and resources to groups, such as Choices Youth Group and the University LGB Group.

Although the majority of initial contacts are by telephone and letter, we do operate a 'drop-in' service and many of our clients will subsequently call in for a coffee and a chat or face to face supportive listening sessions. We are not, however, office bound and try to be flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of our clients where necessary - we are able to meet people 'out of hours' where appropriate.

We have also begun to develop new services in the community, launching our first separate groups for men and women as well as community activites such as the Picnic in the Park and Pool league.

Since 1992 df has received funding from Southern Derbyshire Health Authority to promote safer sex to our service users and people on the local 'gay scene'. Each year df gives out around 10,000 free condoms, conducts information campaigns and outreach stalls to local gay commercial venues.

In the last few years df has become a Limited Company and a Registered Charity, gained a part-time Administrator and won funding to employ a full-time Manager. The next few years in particularly look to be some of df's most exciting as we expand our existing work and times and develop new services.

Still run and managed by committed local lesbian, gay and bisexual volunteers, df has become a crucial lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender support service for Derbyshire.