Our January 2026 Monthly Roundup
- LonGBoaT Wakefield
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 20 hours ago
January has been a strong start to the year at LonGBoaT Wakefield, with activity ranging from community engagement to plan our upcoming year, creative opportunities and community-grown spaces. Through everything we do, we’re focused on building places where LGBT+ people feel valued, welcome and able to take up space with confidence. Thankyou for joining us on our journey.
In mid-January we welcomed a group of new Grand Central Youth Ambassadors to Wakefield Kirkgate Railway Station. The visit gave them insight into how unstaffed stations operate, the wider community rail network and the impact volunteering can have on making public spaces more welcoming and inclusive.
Our team shared lived experience about how community-led activity like the Station Adoption project supports visibility, safety and belonging in shared spaces — something that matters deeply for LGBT+ people who often feel too easily overlooked. The day included travel on a Grand Central service, discussions with British Transport Police, and practical look-ins on station operations. 👉Read More
We kicked off the year with our first Trustee Board Meeting of 2026. These meetings ensure LonGBoaT Wakefield stays sustainable, inclusive and grounded in the needs of the LGBT+ community in the Wakefield district. Alongside reviewing finances and planning ahead, trustees discussed volunteer recruitment, ongoing activities and key partnerships for the year. The board welcomed updates on growing organisations joining our Safe Space Scheme, plans for Wakefield Community Pride 2026 and opportunities to centre some archive-based conversations during LGBT+ History Month. 👉Read More
Towards the end of January we opened a call for artists, creative collectives and community groups to take over our Community Gallery at Wakefield Kirkgate. This is a public exhibition space within the station — a place where art meets everyday journeys, and creativity becomes part of civic life. We’re particularly keen to support LGBT+ voices and underrepresented stories, and offer support with installation, promotion and audience reach for those selected. Full details are available on our gallery page. 👉Read More
Looking ahead into February, LGBT+ History Month will include a special West Yorkshire Queer Stories talk and workshop in collaboration with the Archive Service and Wakefield Council’s Be Proud Network. This event invites everyone — LGBT+ people, allies, history lovers — to explore oral histories, personal memories and materials that bring queer lives into local archives. Projects like this remind us why visibility in our histories is essential for understanding the present and shaping a more inclusive future. Spaces are still available: read the full article for more information on how to book your event attendance.
This month our Safe Space Scheme continued to grow as trusted organisations signed up to publicly signal their commitment to inclusion for LGBT+ people and allies. We were pleased to welcome:
The Safe Space Scheme invites businesses and organisations across the Wakefield district to commit to inclusive values, visible accreditation and a listing on our Safe Space directory. Being part of the scheme means creating environments where LGBT+ people can expect respect, dignity and safety in everyday life. If your business or organisation wants to join, the Scheme is open and free to apply: 👉 Find Out More
Our Groundwork Yorkshire Horticulture Sessions at Wakefield Kirkgate have been well under way in January, with participants preparing ground, constructing raised beds and learning practical skills together. These sessions are open to people of all abilities and offer a welcoming way to build confidence, learn new skills and enjoy time outdoors. It’s another example of how shared activity can help people connect, learn and feel part of something hopeful and ongoing. 👉Read More
Volunteers are at the heart of LonGBoaT Wakefield’s work, helping us create safer, more welcoming spaces for LGBT+ people across the district. From supporting events and social activities to caring for Wakefield Kirkgate through our Station Adoption project, volunteering is a practical way to build connection, confidence and community.
Our next volunteer induction takes place on Saturday 7 February. Inductions are held on the first Saturday of every month and are open to anyone interested in getting involved. On the same day, we also host Volunteer Open Day sessions at Wakefield Kirkgate, giving people the chance to pop along, see our work in action, and meet members of our friendly volunteer and trustee teams.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll also be adding several dates to our spring and summer calendar. These will include opportunities for volunteers to attend events and represent the charity out in the community, helping share information about our work and the support available for LGBT+ people.
We’d like to thank everyone who has been waiting for their volunteer ID cards. These are currently being printed and will be ready in the next few days — we appreciate your patience.
If you have any questions about volunteering, upcoming inductions, Open Days, representing LonGBoaT at events, or if you require an ID card, please contact our Volunteering Officer, Taylor, at Taylor@longboatwakefield.org.
To find out more about volunteering with LonGBoaT Wakefield and how to apply, visit:https://www.longboatwakefield.org/volunteer