A Cumbrian charity has been nominated for a national award for its work in supporting the local LGBT community.

OutREACH Cumbria, an LGBT+ charity based in Carlisle, has been nominated for the Community Organisation (LGBT) gong in the National Diversity Awards.

The organisation runs community and professional projects, along with a well-received bi-monthly magazine that empowers LGBT+ voices within the community.

Laura Cairns, chairperson of OutREACH Cumbria, said: “It’s fantastic to be nominated for a national award.

“We are run entirely by volunteers so getting recognition for what we do on a national level is a real honour and a testament to the hard work of our committee and volunteers who work so hard for the needs of the LGBT+ community right across Cumbria.”

In the 25 years the type of projects run by OutREACH has been helping people in Cumbria, it has been part of various schemes that better the lives of the local LGBT community.

They have helped to set up a rapid HIV testing space, established an exhibition celebrating the history of the Cumbrian LGBT community, and given advice and training to the public bodies such as the NHS, police, local councils and educational institutions.

The bi-monthly magazine, called Alphabet Soup, features LGBT+ authors lending their voices to highlight news and issues occurring within the community.

It also acts as an education point on sexuality and gender while showcasing local businesses that are safe spaces for LGBT+ people.

Louise Askew, Alphabet Soup editor, said: “When I first realised we had been nominated for the award I was so proud.

“OutREACH Cumbria has been working tirelessly for the LGBT+ community for 25 years and for us to get national recognition for the work we do is fantastic.”

Voting for the National Diversity Awards closes on May 31.

The winners will be announced in September at a ceremony in London.