AN LGBTQ+ hub has opened in Whitehaven this week.
The new centre called Colours, which is located on King Street, held its opening ceremony on Thursday, August 1.
It is being run by a group called Proud and Diverse Cumbria and has received funding from Cumberland Council and Sellafield Ltd.
Glen Anderson, of Proud and Diverse Cumbria, said: "It's going to be open as a cafe from next week, but it will also have information on screens for anybody who needs information for services.
"The basement is being used to have regular youth groups and the upper floor is going to be used for older people's groups, if anyone is feeling lonely and isolated or if they just want to talk they can come in.
"We have a counselling room as well, we're not providing these services they're being provided by existing organisations here in Cumbria.
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"They are coming here and using our space for free, because we have funding to allow them to use the space.
"Always Another Way, which is a well-supported organisation, will be bringing their youth group and older person group on Thursday and Friday every single week.
"People are welcome to come and join us and other new groups are coming here to start up because we've had funding from the Arts Council, we've also had funding from different organisations within the nuclear world.
"We're here to provide a listening here, but at the same time, we're here to serve coffee and try to bring some vibrancy back to the high street, once a month we'll be having a bit of a social party."
Mr Anderson said that Proud and Diverse Cumbria aims to end inequality by doing outreach work.
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The group is made up of unpaid volunteers and they say that they hope to overcome inequalities in society in a small way.
Proud and Diverse Cumbria are also hosting an LGBTQ+ Pride event on the harbour this weekend.
There are several attractions including information stalls and live music.
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