Two Year Anniversary LGBTQIA+ MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICE

We are almost at the two year mark of the LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Advocacy Service, a wrap around service which supports clients, their family, carers and professionals. One of the aspects of this service has been through peer support and connecting people to their community.

We have set up or partnered with organisations to develop various groups to help support individuals and families, some of these include:

- Menopause + - A support group that is open to all members of the community who are experiencing menopause or menopause symptoms.

-BeU – A social group for Trans, Non-Binary and Gender Diverse people, this event runs once a month and is 18+ at the Belfast Trans Resource Centre.

-Games Night – A group co-hosted with Here NI for all LB women who enjoy board games, puzzles and socialising.

- Drop in days with the Belfast Trans Resource Centre on Wednesdays from 1-6 PM (Saturday is also a drop-in day run by the BTRC) to meet other Trans, Non-Binary and Gender Diverse people, seek support and socialise in a quiet space.

- Family Ties – A peer support group for Parents and Carer’s of LGBTQIA+ people, this is parent led and will host meetups and offer support and signposting for members. There will also be chances to meet other families throughout the year through workshops and events.

- Rainbow Reels – an LGBTQIA+ Trad Music group who meet and perform at various locations.

Our service also runs workshops, health days and outreach nights to promote good mental and physical health such as seasonal Yoga classes, Arts and Crafts workshops and social events around holidays. Being able to connect to others and feeling safe to be yourself is a key element of these groups and events. We want members of our community to feel supported, validated and confident in their own skin. The groups run regularly and strong friendships have been made through them. participants feel like they have a safe space, can connect with others like themselves and get the support and guidance needed in a non-judgemental and safe atmosphere. These groups will be running through to the spring of 2024, so keep an eye on The Rainbow Project and Here NI socials, join our mailing lists or if you would like to join any of the groups listed drop us an email at hello@lgbtmh.org .