Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard marked its 35th birthday this year - serving the local community in various crucial ways over that time.

Today's AGM was hosted by the New Steine Hotel and was as much a celebration as anything else. The board stood down and were re-elected, the accounts were approved and the Mayor spoke eloquently about the impact that the Switchboard has had on Brighton & Hove over the years.

Switchboard has perhaps become a slightly misleading name for the diverse services that this team provides to Brighton. As well as the helpline providing information and a listening ear for LGBT related problems, Switchboard provides face to face counselling, relationship counselling, answers email queries and helps people with hate crime reporting. They liaise with Pride, community groups and businesses to help ensure that LGBT people are treated with respect and care... and this undoubtedly has had a lasting effect on the city.

A lovely, friendly evening - and thanks to the New Steine for being such good hosts... the canapés were delicious as ever!