Strengthening LGBTQ+ communities, organisations and voices across Lewisham.
Proud to Be Me CIC is the specialist LGBTQ+ delivery partner for the Lewisham LGBTQ+ Infrastructure Support Project 2026–2029, working alongside Lewisham Local as Lead Partner, South East London Pride and LGBTQ+ Foundation.
​
Lewisham Local already provides important infrastructure support across Lewisham. Our role is to add specialist LGBTQ+ knowledge, capacity and community insight, with a particular focus on supporting LGBTQ+ voluntary and community organisations to connect, develop and strengthen their work.
​
Together, we are helping LGBTQ+ organisations and groups build their capacity, improve inclusion and visibility, increase safe access to services and create stronger opportunities for LGBTQ+ voices to influence local decision-making.
Our work includes engaging and supporting LGBTQ+ voluntary and community organisations, groups and networks across Lewisham, with particular attention to Black and other people of colour, migrants, sanctuary seekers, trans and non-binary communities.
Working alongside Lewisham Local, South East London Pride and LGBTQ+ Foundation, we contribute to:
Support for LGBTQ+ voluntary and community organisations
Adding specialist advice, practical support and LGBTQ+ community insight to Lewisham Local’s wider infrastructure offer.
Community mapping and outreach
Identifying LGBTQ+ groups, informal networks and seldom-heard communities across the borough.
​Capacity building
Supporting LGBTQ+ organisations and groups through workshops, mentoring, peer support and practical organisational development.
Introducing Proud Connections
What can you find through Proud Connections?
START SOMETHING
Have an idea but don't know where to
begin?
Explore support for starting a CIC, social enterprise, community project or business, including useful organisations, courses, guidance and development opportunities.
FUND SOMETHING
​
Find funding opportunities, fundraising resources, grant support, training and funding networks, including connections into wider opportunities available through Lewisham's voluntary and community sector.
​
GROW SOMETHING
​
Access business support, coaching, training, organisational development, leadership opportunities and enterprise resources that can help you take your next step.
MEET PEOPLE
​
Discover networks, events, community organisations, collaborations and opportunities to connect with people doing similar work.
Sometimes the right introduction can make all the difference.
​
LEARN SOMETHING
​
Explore free and low-cost courses, workshops, books, podcasts, guides, websites and resources that can support your personal, professional or organisational development.
​
GET SUPPORT
​
Don't know which of those you need?
That's okay too.
Sometimes you just need somewhere to start.
Proud Connections can help you explore what you're trying to achieve and identify organisations, opportunities or resources that may be able to help.
Proud Connections is Proud to Be Me CIC's specialist community, enterprise and opportunity offer within our LGBTQ+ infrastructure work.
Proud Connections is Proud to Be Me CIC's specialist community, enterprise and opportunity offer within our LGBTQ+ infrastructure work.
There is already a huge amount of support available across Lewisham and beyond — from funding and free training to CIC support, business development, community networks, coaching and specialist organisations.
The challenge can be knowing what exists, where to find it and who to speak to.
That's where Proud Connections comes in.
We bring together useful opportunities, organisations, resources and networks and help people navigate what's available.
And when you don't quite know what you're looking for yet, you can start with us.
​
Have an idea? Need support? Looking for an opportunity?
​
Start with Proud Connections.
​
You don't have to know the system. We'll help you find your way.