MindOut LGBTQ Mental Health Service

Who we are:

MindOut is the only LGBTQ mental health service in the UK. We are run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people with experience of mental health issues.

What we do:

We work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ communities and to make mental health a community concern, and we do this by: 

• Listening to and responding to the LGBTQ experience of mental health
• Offering hope through positive relationships and professional expertise
• Preventing isolation, crisis and suicidal distress in LGBTQ communities
• Providing safe spaces for people to meet and support each other
• Helping people protect their rights and get their voices heard
• Campaigning and creating conversations about LGBTQ mental health throughout the world

Why our work is important:

MindOut is essential because 40% of those who identify as LGBTQ will experience mental health challenges compared with 25% of the general population. Our work is vital because our services users do not get the support they need from mainstream services, they often feel isolated from LGBTQ communities and face additional discrimination and exclusion. LGBTQ people deserve a space where their identities are recognised and understood. We are not just a charity but a community that minds out for each other.  

What we are doing to support LGBTQ mental health:

To support LGBTQ people with mental health issues we offer advocacy, counselling, peer-mentoring, peer support groups, befriending, suicide prevention and online support. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all our services are now available online. Our online support service (instant chat) has been a lifeline for so many during lockdown for contacts around the UK and internationally.