Meet some of the team

Fiona Hammond-Liew-Bedford

Co-Founder & CEO

Pronouns: She/her

I started my gap year volunteering with StandOut (the then LGBTQ+ youth group), that was 22 years ago, and I am still here.

We knew StandOut was important to LGBTQ+ individuals due to the lack of provision and support elsewhere, so 7 of us came together to continue running the group. Our passion to give back and support others led us to form the charity in 2007, and the need for our services is in more demand than ever.

Health and well-being has always been at the heart of the charity, and I want us to be there to support everyone, whatever stage of their journey they are on.

My need to care for people also extends to my home life in the country. Alongside my wonderful wife, I also have 2 dogs, 8 cats, 2 chickens, 2 owls, 4 resident deers and anything else which comes by looking for food!

Drew Haynes

LGBTQ+ Support Worker

Pronouns: They/Them

Hey everyone, my name is Drew, I am non-binary and I am a LGBTQ+ Support Worker for the charity. I’ve known the charity since 2007 as they supported me as a young person and I can say I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for all the support I had received. To now be in a position to give back to the community and support and empower people to be their true authentic selves is so rewarding. I pride myself on helping individuals build their confidence and feel less alone in their feelings about gender identity and sexuality.

I focus on building a safe space for individuals to explore, navigate and express their feelings without judgement.

In my spare time I love listening to and playing music, spending time with my pet rats and playing video games.

Jo King

LGBTQ+ Support Worker / Line Manager

Pronouns she/her

When I first met Fi (our CEO) at a pride event in 2017, as a gay woman I was so excited to hear about the LGBTQ+ Project and the work they were doing in Norfolk and Waveney. I wanted to learn more and educate myself and became a volunteer. I was the lead for our Norwich based youth groups and I also became involved in 1:1 support and helped facilitate workshops and training. I have loved being a part of this dedicated team and I was thrilled when the opportunity came in 2022 to work full time as a support worker. I am passionate about providing a safe space to people of all ages who are looking for support around their gender identity and sexuality. I will listen without judgement. I aim to work with you to help you meet your individual needs and goals.

Jay Becker

LGBTQ+ Support Worker

Pronouns: He/Him

I am a trans man, and I started my transition back in 2014. I am a LGBTQ+ Support Worker here at the Norfolk LGBT+ Project. I am focussed on creating and maintaining safe and supportive space for my clients, so they feel empowered to be their authentic selves. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life and promoting equality and diversity. I also love animals, being outdoors and golf.

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you truly are” – E.E Cummings

Alister Booth

LGBTQ+ Support Worker

Pronouns: He/him

I identify as a trans man and I started my transition in 2020. I am a part time LGBTQ+ support worker here to provide you with a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment where you can be your authentic self. With a passion for promoting equality and supporting individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, I am committed to helping you navigate challenges, celebrate personal victories, and thrive in your identity. I like to work together with my clients to create a space where they are heard, respected, and empowered.

In my spare time I like to train in the gym and do some boxing, walk with my dogs and spend time with my soon to be wife and daughter.

Sophie Reynolds

Educating with Pride Coordinator

Pronouns: She/her

Hi! I am Sophie Reynolds and I am the Educating With Pride Coordinator for the LGBTQ+ Project. My role centres around providing guidance to schools as they work to become more LGBTQ+ aware and inclusive. I am passionate about my work because I know that safe and welcoming schools are fundamental to improving the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ students. LGBTQ+ youth who grow up in supportive environments report improved mental health, increased self-esteem and feeling optimistic about their future. I am encouraged by all of the amazing school staff that I work with who are committed to making sure that all of their students feel seen, heard and supported to be their true, authentic selves. I live in Norwich with my wife and our 6 year-old son.