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The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

TFN is published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registration number SC003558.

LGBT+ charity facing closure after loss of funding

This news post is over 1 year old
 

Four Pillars in Grampian are trying to raise £150,000 to continue operating.

A leading LGBT+ charity in the north east of Scotland has launched an appeal to save its services and continue to reach thousands of people every year. 

Four Pillars, the Grampian-based organisation, have said they are facing an “imminent threat of projected closure” following the loss of crucial funding. 

The charity said this loss amounts to over £150,000, which supports Four Pillars’ work providing vital support and care to over 3,000 individuals annually. 

The campaign, which the charity has called Save Our Services, has already raised more than £12,000. 

In a statement posted on the charity’s JustGiving page, they wrote: “With a shortfall of £150,000, we can’t ensure the continuity of our life-saving programs and sustain our efforts to promote mental health, education, sexual health, and advocacy for human rights within the queer community.

“The services we provide have proven to be instrumental in minimising suicide attempts, addressing mental health challenges, and creating a safe haven for individuals in need. Our organisation stands as a beacon of hope, particularly during these challenging times when the rights and well-being of LGBT+ individuals are increasingly under threat.

“We at Four Pillars have experienced a remarkable surge in demand for our services, with an average of 300 individuals seeking support and guidance through our doors monthly. Our dedicated team has been working tirelessly to expand our offerings, extending hours, facilitating support groups, and providing a new meeting space. However, this increased demand has strained our current facilities, necessitating the acquisition of additional space for offices and meeting rooms.

“This is where we need your help. By generously donating or offering sponsorships for our staff salaries, you can contribute to the sustainability and growth of Four Pillars. Your support will enable us to keep and ensure the security of the additional space and required services to meet the rising demand and provide an even more inclusive, supportive, and life-saving environment for the LGBT+ community and their allies.

“Four Pillars is not merely a charity but a lifeline for many individuals who have long struggled to find acceptance and support. The potential closure of our charity would not only signify the loss of an invaluable resource but also the loss of hope for those who feel marginalised and voiceless.”

CEO of Four Pillars, Deejay Bullock, said: "Four Pillars is my baby, my purpose, my life. I have dedicated seven years of my life, blood, sweat, and tears to building this incredible charity. It stands as a testament to the fact that our community deserves better—proper education, genuine support, and meaningful connections. Failure is not an option for me, but without the necessary assistance, it may become a harsh reality."