Liverpool is proud to reaffirm its commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing after Sahir secured funding for a further five years to continue and grow its work across the city.
The renewed funding will allow Sahir to build on its longstanding role at the heart of Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ communities, working closely with Public Health Liverpool and partners to deliver vital support services and improve health outcomes for local residents.
The council’s Public Health team have worked closely with Sahir to develop an effective intensive support service for people living with HIV with this funding and recruit a lead to drive forward the ambitions and recommendations set out in the Liverpool LGBTQ+ needs assessment.
Cllr Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said the investment reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to fairness and inclusion.
“This funding is about listening to communities and backing what works. LGBTQ+ people in Liverpool continue to face avoidable health inequalities, and this long-term commitment enables Sahir and its partners to continue making a real, lasting difference. By investing in community led services, we are taking meaningful action to improve health and wellbeing across the city.”
Under the new agreement, Sahir will continue to provide frontline services for LGBTQ+ people while also leading a partnership of organisations to deliver the priorities identified in Liverpool’s recent LGBTQ+ health needs assessment. The partnership will focus on tackling inequalities through coordinated, inclusive and community driven approaches.
For more than 40 years, Sahir has been a trusted source of support in Liverpool and the surrounding region, offering services focused on sexual health, wellbeing and community connection. The new five-year funding settlement enables the organisation to strengthen this work and respond to emerging needs.
A central part of the programme is the delivery of an intensive HIV support service for people living with HIV who require additional, tailored support. The service will help people navigate complex health and social challenges, supporting better engagement with care, improved health outcomes and quality of life.
Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, emphasised the value of partnership working.
“Sahir brings a wealth of experience and trusted relationships within LGBTQ+ communities. Working in partnership allows us to better understand the challenges people face and to design services that genuinely meet their needs. This investment is an important step in addressing health inequalities and ensuring no one is left behind.”
Alongside the HIV support service, Sahir will coordinate a citywide partnership to turn the recommendations of the LGBTQ+ health needs assessment into action. This approach will ensure services are joined up, responsive and shaped by lived experience.
Liverpool City Council’s Public Health team has worked closely with Sahir throughout the commissioning process and will continue to support the partnership as it develops, with a shared focus on prevention, early intervention and resilience.
Gillian Clotworthy, Services and Operations Manager from Sahir said the funding would make a tangible difference to individuals and communities across Liverpool.
“This funding gives us the ability to plan for the long term and deepen our support for LGBTQ+ communities, as well as people living with HIV, in Liverpool. We are proud to lead this partnership and to work alongside our communities and partners to reduce inequalities, improve wellbeing and ensure people feel supported, seen and heard.”
The continued investment recognises Sahir’s leadership, expertise and deep community roots. By placing lived experience at the centre of service design and delivery, Liverpool is taking another step towards becoming a healthier, more inclusive city for everyone.
Further details about the partnership and upcoming initiatives will be shared over the coming months as the programme develops.
