Loneliness is a sadly common experience amongst LGBTQ+ communities and is the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week. A lot of social activity is centred on the commercial ‘scene’ which might not be accessible to people for all kinds of reasons. Geographical isolation, having a low income, not feeling welcomed on the basis … Read more
We are dismayed by the UK Government’s plans to backtrack on the conversion therapy ban, which has actively excluded our trans siblings. Trans rights are human rights and we stand shoulder to shoulder with every trans person on this matter. The Government’s own data shows that trans people are more likely to be subjected to … Read more
Calvin Stovell (he/him) joined MindOut in February 2022 as our LGBTQ People of Colour Development Manager. Calvin is leading on the organisation’s anti-racism work and is developing interventions and support to specifically help LGBTQ people of colour with their mental health. Prior to joining MindOut, Calvin worked as an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) providing … Read more
For many people work is a big stressor in life. LGBTQ people can risk feeling unseen, excluded or discriminated against at work, heightening stress. If you can relate, you might be interested in our ‘Work It Out’ services – support for LGBTQ people in paid employment. Our Work It Out peer support group is held … Read more
Over the past year, MindOut’s counselling service has recovered from the disruption caused by the pandemic, and is now bigger than ever. We’re doing our best to keep up with the demand for low-cost LGBTQ-affirmative counselling, but we’ve had to put in some restrictions to help manage our waiting list. At the moment, unfortunately, we … Read more
This International Women’s Day we attended the Fast Forward 15 Bingo Ball Fundraiser with fabulous drag prince, Alfie Ordinary, at ExCeL London. Fast Forward 15 is a not-for-profit mentoring scheme for women working in events, hospitality and travel. As we also offer peer mentoring at MindOut, the collaboration was a perfect fit. A highlight … Read more
MindOut is planning a Self-Advocacy workshop for Trans people on trans healthcare. The workshop will be held on Zoom on Thursday 24th March, 2.30 – 4pm. It will be led by Lou Thomas (they/them), MindOut’s Trans Advocate. It’s open to trans service users and volunteers. The workshop will cover speaking up for yourself, accessing services … Read more
MindOut is very excited that Lama Rod Owens, Buddhist minister, is coming to Brighton for an event on ‘Queer Resiliency in Times of Change’. Lama Rod is a US Buddhist teacher, bestselling author, activist, and authorized Lama in the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism. He will be in Brighton for a day of reflection and … Read more
Emily Ballantyne (she/her) has been appointed as Interim CEO at MindOut. After 22 years as founder CEO Helen Jones is stepping down on 17th February. Emily will be working with the Trustees to recruit a new permanent CEO. She has worked in the community and voluntary sector for 25 years as a volunteer, specialist advice … Read more
MindOut is delighted to announce that our out-going founder CEO, Helen Jones, will receive an MBE in the New Years Honours. She is being honoured for her contribution to LGBTQ mental health over the 22 years since she started MindOut. ‘When I heard that I was offered an MBE I considered whether or not to … Read more