LGBTQ+ SERVICES AND SUPPORT NORTHUMBERLAND
Online Parkinson’s group
Identify as LGBTQI+ and affected by Parkinson’s? Parkinson’s UK has a new LGBTQI+ support network group for information, support and more. These free online meetings are held via Google meet.
Contact Cara Connolly cconnolly@parkinsons.org.uk for more information or visit the website.
Pride Action North
Pride Action North (formerly Northumberland Pride) is a county wide charity offering a wide range of services to people within the LGBTQIA+ communities across the North of England.
In practice it provides safe spaces which break down barriers and promote inclusion and support across Northumberland, with a vision to celebrate LGBT+ life with allies through events, project work and the delivery of services.
Join the Blyth drop-in session at Briardale House on the first Tuesday of the month, 3pm – 4pm. A chance to have a cuppa and a chat with a member of the Wellbeing Team.
For more information email support@prideactionnorth.org.uk or call 03332 427 307.
Free To Be
A safe space for young people aged 13-18 who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex or asexual at Blyth Central Family Hub, on Wednesdays 4pm-8pm.
The Proud Trust
The Proud Trust helps LGBT+ young people empower themselves, to make a positive change for themselves, and their communities. This is achieved through youth groups, coordinating national and regional LGBT+ youth work networks, delivering training, running events and campaigns, undertaking research and creating resources.
Switchboard
Switchboard is a LGBT+ helpline, providing a safe space for anyone to discuss anything, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional wellbeing.
The helpline is open from 10.00am to 10.00pm every day – call: 0300 330 0630. There is also a webchat service.
If you can’t find the information you need, or would like to tell us your experiences of using health or social care services, please get in touch.
MIND – mental health
MIND has information about mental health support for people who are LGBTIQ+ or questioning.
Anyone can experience a mental health problem. But those who identify as LGBTIQ+ are more likely to develop problems like:
- low self-esteem
- depression
- anxiety
- eating problems
- misusing drugs and alcohol
- self-harm
- suicidal feelings
- other mental health problems.
Being LGBTIQ+ does not cause these problems. The reasons why those with LGBTIQ+ identities are more likely to get these things are most likely to do with facing things like:
- homophobia, biphobia and transphobia
- stigma and discrimination
- difficult experiences of coming out
- social isolation, exclusion and rejection.
FFLAG
FFLAG is a national voluntary organisation and registered charity supporting parents and families and their LGBT+ members.
It offers support to local parents groups to help parents and families understand, accept and support their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members with love and pride. FFLAG volunteers are parents of lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans children supported by other volunteers.
Age UK has put together a guide about meeting the needs of older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people using health and social care services. Read the guide at the link below.
Stonewall
Stonewall campaigns for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across Britain and provides information, support and resources. There is also Stonewall Youth for people under 25 years.
LGBT Foundation
The LGBT Foundation is a national charity delivering advice, support and information services to LGBT communities. Services include a befriending service, talking therapies, advocacy and health information.
Your health
Healthwatch Northumberland
We are your local health and social care champion. We’re here to make sure your views on NHS and social care services in Northumberland are heard.
