LGBTQIA+ peer support

We recognise that those of us who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community can sometimes face difficult experiences, such as discrimination and stigma, which affect our mental health.

We run peer support groups for people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and are finding things difficult. These groups bring people from the West Sussex LGBTQIA+ community together in a safe environment to share experiences and get mutual support.

The groups are run by an LGBTQIA+ peer support worker, who has lived experience of mental health, alongside members of staff from the LGBTQIA+ community. There are five groups a month, four in person and one online:

• The Worthing group runs on the first Wednesday of the month – 1-2.30pm
• The Southwick group runs on the second Monday on the month – 1-2.30pm
• The Littlehampton group runs on the third Tuesday of the month – 2-3.30pm
• The online group runs on the fourth Monday of the month – 1-2.30pm.

We established these peer support groups (the first one was piloted in Southwick) in response to feedback about the need for peer-led mental health groups from the LGBTQIA+ community and feedback we received at local Pride events.

We also have recently started a monthly online support group specifically for LGBTQIA+ young people, as part of our service for 16-25 year olds.

Links to other local and national LGBTQIA+ organisations

The Clare Project

Allsorts Youth Project

Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard

Gendered Intelligence

Switchboard (national LGBTQIA+ support line)

Mermaids

Sussex Gender Service (resources and information)

NHS Guide to medical transition and gender dysphoria information