MindOut LGBTQ Mental Health Services
MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people with lived experience of mental health challenges. The organisation is dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ communities and ensuring that mental health is recognised as a shared community concern.
MindOut works to achieve this by listening to and responding to the lived experiences of LGBTQ people, offering hope through supportive relationships and professional expertise, and helping to prevent isolation, crisis and suicidal distress within LGBTQ communities. A key part of their work is providing safe spaces where individuals can meet, connect and support one another in an environment where their identities are understood and respected. They also support people in protecting their rights and amplifying their voices, while campaigning and encouraging open conversations about LGBTQ mental health on a wider scale.
The service exists because many LGBTQ people do not receive the mental health support they need from mainstream services and may experience isolation from both wider society and LGBTQ communities. Many also face discrimination, exclusion and minority stress, making access to inclusive and understanding support especially important.
MindOut therefore provides spaces where people’s identities are recognised and valued. The organisation welcomes all LGBTQ people, as well as those who may not identify strictly as LGBTQ, including men who have sex with men, women who have sex with women, intersex people, people who previously identified as trans, and individuals who are questioning their sexual or gender identities. Anyone unsure about whether the service is right for them is encouraged to get in touch.
