What course are you studying at the moment and why did you choose this discipline? I’m studying an MA in Gestalt Therapy Theory Studies. I chose this is because prior to training as a psychotherapist I qualified as an executive coach. The programme director was a Gestalt therapist so it was largely down to her … Read more
Telephone befriending: Many of us feel lonely or isolated. Sometimes we can find ourselves without someone to spend time with or share news with or talk to about our lives. Sometimes we don’t feel connected to our communities or to people like us, with our LGBTQ identity. Our telephone befriending project offers opportunities for people … Read more
Most LGBTQ people I know are pretty good at reading signals. If you’ve grown up experiencing a level of discrimination or prejudice growing up, it becomes second-nature to risk-assess your environment before revealing something about yourself that could put you in danger. Or at very least, make things awkward. Some same-sex couples will get used … Read more
MindOut have been a fundamental part of my growth as a counsellor, because I joined them right at the start of my training, just as they were opening the counselling service. The first thing to say on a personal level was – and this was mind-blowing to me – MindOut actually wanted me to join … Read more
How old are you? 25 What are your pronouns? She/her How do you define your sexuality? I don’t use a specific word. Every time I do, I get stressed out and feel like I need live up to some kind of standard. I usually just say “I’m a part of the LGBTQ community” but that’s … Read more
We have consulted with service users, volunteers, staff, partners and a wide range of stakeholders to develop a new three year Strategic Plan 2020 – 2023. We will be building on our last three very successful years to grow our work and widen our influence. MindOut is uniquely placed to improve the mental health of … Read more
MindOut is again running a series of free online national workshops for anyone working in the LGBTQ voluntary sector. By popular demand these have been recommissioned by NHS England following our fully-booked programme in June. • Responding to Suicidal Distress/Suicide Prevention in LGBTQ Communities , Weds 22nd July 2 – 4pm • Boundaries and Safe … Read more
What is your role at MindOut? I am the Community Mental Health Advocate at MindOut. This means that we work with our clients to help them have their voices heard, to inform them of their rights, and to support them with various practical issues surrounding mental health. Pre lockdown, I would accompany clients to benefits … Read more
With the gradual relaxation of lockdown we wanted to update you about how MindOut will continue to help you in the coming months. We know that it continues to be a difficult time of uncertainty and restrictions and many people within LGBTQ communities are unable to access critical support and NHS services to support their … Read more
Since lockdown, we have been trialling new ways to help our community to connect with each other and have introduced weekly online peer support groups. If you’re feeling lonely, anxious or low, then we can help. Our peer support sessions help people who have had similar life experiences a chance to come together and offer … Read more