Group set up for LBGTQ+ community in rural East Midlands

Megan Atkinson (30), from Bottesford, Leicestershire, set up the group ‘Queer Adventure Collective’ as a safe space for LGBTQ+ people from smaller communities in rural and isolated areas of the East Midlands to come together. She wanted, in particular, to create a group that was not based around pubs, bars or drinking culture, and the group’s first meetings took place at Attenborough Nature Reserve in Nottinghamshire, and the National Space Centre near Leicester.

Speaking to the BBC, Megan said: "I felt there was something missing from the East Midlands particularly.

"I wanted something which wasn't focused on specifically nightlife, going out to bars and pubs.

"I've been part of outdoor groups in Devon and the Peaks, so felt a LBGTQ group more locally was missing.”

She added: "I think with communities like this it gives people a safe space, if they are questioning or finding things difficult. Whether they are trying to have children or facing mistreatment, it is good to have people around you that you can talk to.

"There are little pockets of new communities that are being made under this one big community and we are only just getting started. I am super excited to see where it is going to go and hopefully have a positive impact on people's lives."