Pride month at CPSL Mind

What is Pride month?

Pride month is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community all around the world and takes place every June in honour of the anniversary of Stonewall Riots. Stonewall Riots were a series of protests that served as a catalyst for rights of the LGBTQIA+ community across the world.

The month is dedicated to celebrating equality, acceptance and raising awareness about problems that the LGBTQIA+ community face. Various parades, festivals and concerts take place around the world as a part of the celebration for the Pride month.

We spoke to David Lee member of Pride in St Neots and CPSL Mind volunteer about tips for the LGBTQIA+ community looking after mental health and wellbeing during Pride month, he said, “Put yourself first. Take that time out and reflect on your priorities. Where can you make small changes to help your mental health.  Ask work/friends to support you too and please join our coffee sessions as we are always happy to chat and even talk about our own personal experiences. Mindfulness is really helpful and simple techniques can easily be shared.”

And David also shared how you can be a good ally to support the LGBTQIA+ community, “Be there, listen and support. Stand up to any hate that’s projected towards our community and educate people.”

What are we doing for Pride month?

For Pride month, our staff are hosting sessions at both our Cambridge and Peterborough offices with a 30 minute talk about trans+ identities, followed by a discussion about book, podcast and movie recommendations along with some other fun activities, music, and delicious cakes. Our partners, The Kite Trust, will also be joining us for this event.

How can I celebrate pride month?

Here is a list of events taking place to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community:

How can you look after your mental health and wellbeing?

We are here to support and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. If you need to look after your wellbeing during Pride month, we have some tips to follow.

• Talk to someone you trust.

Talking to your loved ones can make it easier to tackle any issues and open up about your feelings. You can also make new connections to share your thoughts and experiences.

• Take care of yourself.

Be kind to yourself and take some time out to practice self care. It helps you look after yourself and understand your feelings and thoughts.

• Look after your health.

Maintain a healthy diet and try to do some physical activity. This not only helps your body but may also help to manage your wellbeing.

• Try peer support or volunteering.

Joining a peer support group can help you to make new connections. It’s also a chance to share your experiences with someone to support them. You can also try volunteering, which can help you to use your skills to help your community and meet new people.

• Talk to your GP or get help.

You can book an appointment with your GP or you can check out one of the useful contacts mentioned below.

You can also refer to our incredible online resource Five Ways to Wellbeing.

Where can you get help?

Below is some information about some local organisations which can provide support.

The Kite Trust

Provides one-to-one support, group activities, and residentials for young people up to the age of 30 (and their families) in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and surrounding areas.

Cambridge LGBT+ Group

A community group intended to provide a space for LGBTQ+ people in or around Cambridgeshire to find or organise events for socialising in a relaxed and safe environment.

Inclusive Peterborough

A relaxed and informal social group for making new friends, socialise and get to know people in Peterborough and surrounding areas.

akt

An organisation that provides housing support to young people from 16-25 years who are the risk of homelessness or living in hostile environments.

Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN)

An online asexual community with helpful resources.

Black Beetle Health

A charity supporting the health of LGBTQ+ Black People and People of colour in the UK.

Consortium

A resource hub for the LGBTQ+ groups, organisations and projects around UK.

Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (FFLAG)

A charity supporting parents and families and their LGBTQ+ members.

Galop

Provides support to LGBTQ+ people who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime and other forms of abuse.

Gender Construction Kit

Provides information for queer people about legal and medical process of expressing your gender.

Hidayah

An organisation providing support to LGBTQIA+ Muslims.

Interconnected UK

A peer support group for people with intersex traits/variations of sex characteristics.

KeshetUK

An education and training charity providing support to Jewish LGBT+ people and their families.

LGBT Foundation

A charity focusing on wellbeing and mental health of LGBTQ+ people.

Mermaids

An organisation supporting trans, non-binary and gender-diverse children, young people and their families.

MindOut

A mental health charity for LGBTQ+ people.

Open Table Network

A network of faith groups to support LGBTQIA+ community.

Pink Therapy

A directory of therapists and counsellors providing services for LGBTQIA+ community.

Stonewall

An organisation providing support and resources for LGBTQIA+ people.

Stonewall Housing

Provides housing support for LGBTQ+ people.

Switchboard

National helpline to support LGBTQ+ community.

Terrence Higgins Trust

An organisation providing support for LGBTQ+ people with sexual health.

The Mix

A support service for young people across UK.

Trans Unite

A resource to support transgender community in the UK.

TransActual

Provides information and resources for trans and non-binary communities.

Traveller Pride

A support group for LGBTQ+ travellers providing guidance, support and information.