LGBTQ SUICIDAL DISTRESS
8 out of 10 MindOut service users have experienced suicidal distress now or at some point in their lives. We are dedicating this crowdfunder to our online support service which helps many LGBTQ people deal with suicidal distress every day from around the UK and internationally.
This much-needed instant message service run by and for LGBTQ people is confidential, anonymous and non-judgemental. It can be accessed via our website most evenings and weekends (www.mindout.org.uk)
Service users regularly tell us that we have saved their lives: “I feel suicidal daily, mostly of an evening. This service is a lifeline!” (Online Support Service user)
In addition to online support, MindOut runs two 'Out of the Blue' peer support groups for LGBTQ people who have experience of suicidal thoughts. We also deliver advocacy, counselling and peer mentoring services. Our suicide prevention initiatives save many lives every year. In 2019 we helped over 1800 across our services.
OUR PLANNED SPENDING
We have a large team of volunteers who do an amazing job offering online support to LGBTQ people experiencing suicidal distress amongst other issues. We need to invest in our volunteer team as they are our most valuable asset. We want to improve the support, supervision and training we offer them so they are as well equipped as possible to deal with the challenging issues that come up online.
The service is currently underfunded and we want to continue to employ a part-time Online Support Worker to manage the service and volunteers from April. In addition, with more regular promotion on Grindr and other apps, we would be able to help even more LGBTQ people via online support. Contacts would also benefit from our volunteers being online for more shifts which will require more volunteer recruitment and training.
PRIZE DRAW!
MindOut is heading towards the end of its 20th year! Donate £20 or more and you will be automatically entered into our prize draw! #20for20years
All prizes have been donated.
1st prize - Designer necklace by Lily Kamper Jewellery worth £270!
2nd prize - The Body Shop hamper worth £73
3rd prize - Booja Booja luxury vegan chocolate bundle worth £20 (from Infinity Foods)