There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has hit us all hard. However, the MindOut team are working their socks off to keep our services running virtually including Counselling, Advocacy, Peer Mentoring and Peer Support Groups. Our Online Support service is incredibly busy right now and we have extended our opening times.
LGBTQ mental health matters more than ever and we need your help!
Volunteer for us!
Applications welcome to join our team of LGBTQ volunteers for our Online Support service, Peer Mentoring and Befriending and Counselling services.
Closing date for applications – 13th May 2020 at 5pm
Dates of volunteer training – Fridays 12th, 19th, 26th June – 10:30am-12:30pm (via Zoom)
We are now offering online and telephone support throughout the coronavirus pandemic and we need volunteers to offer their time and skills to help us develop the range of support we offer for mental health.
Our Online Support service offers one-to-one support and information for people all around the UK, and around the world. We are open most evenings from around 5:30pm, and offer weekly trans, advocacy and under 30s advocacy sessions.
Our Peer Mentoring and Befriending service offers people the opportunity to be matched with a mentor or befriender who will be able to support them with something difficult they are facing. This might be getting out a bit more, or going through a difficult time, or something else. Peer Mentors and Befrienders offer one-to-one support and can help reduce isolation and loneliness.
Our LGBTQ Counselling service is offering online and telephone counselling. We welcome applicants who have online counselling skills to join our team. Please email [email protected] to enquire.
Full training and supervision will be offered for all roles. We particularly welcome applications from people over the age of 50, those who identify as trans and non-binary, and people of colour, as these groups are currently underrepresented in our volunteer team.
If you are interested in volunteering for us, please see our Volunteer Application Pack, which includes the welcome letter, person specification and application form. Please complete application form and email it to [email protected] with the subject ‘Volunteering’ and the role(s) you are interested in, by 5pm on Wednesday 13th May 2020.
Find out more about the roles available here www.mindout.org.uk/jobs
Get FUNdraising!
Fundraising is fun! There are so many ways you can fundraise from the comfort of your own home but here is a selection to get you inspired. Every penny you raise will help LGBTQ people experiencing mental health distress to get the vital support they need to prevent suicide and reduce loneliness.
Sponsored run/walk/cycle
We are all enjoying getting outside at the moment! Why not set yourself a target and get sponsored e.g. walk 100,000 steps in a week.
You can do it as a lone ranger or get a (virtual) team together for a bigger target.
Online busking
Can you sing? Can you play the keyboard? Beatbox? Budding poet?
Set up an online buskathon via platforms such as Facebook Live.
Shave your head or beard!
It’s quick and easy but people are impressed with those braving the bald! Set up a JustGiving page and ask people to sponsor you.
Organise a quiz night
Are you usually the life and soul of the party? The event organiser in your gang?
Set up a virtual quiz and ask for a donation to enter. The prize could be a % of the money or that unwanted Christmas present that’s gathering dust.
Fancy dress every day for a month
Make being at home/working from home more fun and get sponsored to dress up every day using anything you have lying around the house!
Online auction
Ask friends to donate to the auction and people can bid online. You could use Facebook Live to make it interactive or set up a Facebook Event if you’re camera shy.
Pride party
We are all very sad Pride and Trans Pride have been cancelled, but we are still proud! Set up a party with the House Party app. Dust off the rainbow flags, cover yourself in glitter and play Mariah at full volume! Ask your fellow partiers to donate some of the money they would have spent at Pride.
Be a record breaker!
Fancy yourself in the Guinness Book of Records? Ever wondered how long you could sit in a bath of baked beans for? If it’s more than 100 hours, now’s your moment! Choose your goal and get sponsored for doing something silly.
Gaming for good
Whether it’s a 24 hour gameathon or completing games as fast as you can, fundraise with your dedication to gaming! Live stream and ask for donations.
Birthday soon?
Set up a birthday fundraiser on Facebook so people can gift a donation to your favourite charity (us!)
Donate to us!
With many events cancelled, including Pride, it’s a tricky old time for fundraising. If you wish to donate some of the money you would have spent at Pride this year you can donate via our website: www.mindout.org.uk/donate/
Or if you prefer you can send us a bank transfer:
Coop Bank – MindOut
Sort code: 089299
Account number: 65450899
Thank you for supporting MindOut and LGBTQ mental health at this very strange time!