Published: 21 October, 2025
Professor Stephen Whittle, co-chair at Indigo Gender Service, Paul Martin
OBE, LGBT Foundation’s chief executive, Dr Brian Lewis, gtd healthcare’s
chair, Dawn Sewards, director of governance, David Beckett, chief executive,
Jane Pugh, director of finance and strategic resources
A special reception celebrating 50 years of the LGBT Foundation was hosted by the Lord Mayor of Manchester, bringing together community partners including gtd healthcare.
The event took place on Monday, 13 October, at Manchester Central Library, where the Lord Mayor, Councillor Carmine Grimshaw, welcomed LGBT Foundation colleagues and partner organisations to mark the occasion.
Representing gtd healthcare were Dr Brian Lewis, gtd healthcare’s chair, David Beckett, chief executive, Jane Pugh, director of finance and strategic resources, and Dawn Sewards, director of governance. Indigo Gender Service (Indigo) colleagues were also in attendance with Dr Luke Wookey, GP and clinical lead, and Professor Stephen Whittle, co-chair, representing the wider team.
Indigo is an NHS adult transgender health service for patients who are registered with a GP in Greater Manchester. The service is commissioned by NHS England and delivered as a partnership between gtd healthcare and LGBT Foundation.
Guests heard from the Lord Mayor and Paul Martin OBE, LGBT Foundation’s chief executive. Paul reflected on the organisation’s achievements over the past five decades, from championing equality and inclusion to delivering vital services that support and empower the LGBT community.
Founded in 1975 as a small volunteer-led helpline, LGBT Foundation has grown under Paul’s leadership into one of the UK’s leading charities. It now provides a wide range of services in health, wellbeing, advocacy and community safety, reaching around 45,000 people each year.
David Beckett said it was a privilege to attend such a meaningful event and mark 50 years of the Foundation’s outstanding work.
“Our partnership with LGBT Foundation and Indigo is something we are extremely proud of,” he said.
“It was inspiring to see so many people come together to recognise the difference LGBT Foundation has made to the lives of others.”
gtd healthcare was invited to the reception in recognition of the organisation’s shared commitment to creating inclusive and supportive environments for all.
If you have any queries, please email gtd.corporateaffairs@nhs.net.
