Support and Social Groups HangOuts | Online support Groups What are HangOuts? LGBTQ+ HangOuts What is LGBTQ+ HangOuts? | Why is LGBTQ+ HangOut group needed? | Why come to a LGBTQ+ HangOut? | What happens at a LGBTQ+ HangOuts? | Group Agreement | Meet your Host To book a ticket for any HangOut please book through Eventbrite What is LGBTQ+ HangOuts? A twice monthly friendly and welcoming online social and peer support group for LGBTQ+ people to come together and connect with one another in a safe, inclusive, informal, friendly and non-judgmental space, aged 18 years and older. Our aim is to reduce isolation by creating a safe space to get to know each other through shared lived experiences, topic discussions and creative activities. We meet online on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month 11am - 12.30pm Please try to arrive 5 minutes early. The Zoom room closes at 11.10am (this is so we can minimise any disruption). Please read our online group agreement Why is LGBTQ+ HangOut group needed? Our aim is to reduce isolation (including social, cultural and geographical) and encourage access to new knowledge and awareness for all LGBTQ+ people; and to be part of a safe, peer-led support group and to take part in discussions, activities and form new connections with one another. We make sure participants have a safe and inclusive space to think about topics/discussions and have access to workshops to explore a personal and group perspective without fear of judgment or discrimination. Why Come To a HangOut? Here are some reasons people have said they come to our Zoom HangOuts: To meet new people who I would not encounter in person They are more accessible to me due to my health requirements I don't have to worry about people I know seeing me while I am out I can fit them into my day easily and still come along when I'm busy Socialising can be really hard and awkward, I find it easier on Zoom. Please note--to make the online Zoom space as safe and inclusive as we can: When you first enter the waiting room on Zoom your first name on your ticket needs to match your first name on Zoom before we can then let you in. Please use your pronouns (if you have one) next to your name on Zoom (if you are able to). Using gender inclusive language helps. We believe by having your Zoom camera turned on, you might benefit from viewing, perceiving some friendly faces and can make other people feel safer. What happens at the group? We start off with intro's, group agreement, followed by a 'check-in' with each other and then we start with a topic discussion or activity. You're welcome to spend more time listening than speaking and you are not expected to tell us about your sexuality or gender unless you want to. At the end of the event, you will be asked to fill out a quick anonymous survey to help us with valuable feedback so we can continue to have relevant topics and improve your experience. Once you attend we hope you’ll be able to meet online with other LGBTQ+ people to chat, share stories, make new friends, and hopefully have fun. Group Agreement Our Group Agreement is informed by your feedback in creating ‘safe spaces’ that are welcoming, inclusive and encourage participation. We are making sure that everyone who books a ticket for a HangOuts, is aware of the commitment for everyone that attends. https://www.lgbthero.org.uk/online-group-agreement Meet your Host The group is facilitated by Dan Singh (he/him/they) who is a British-born gay man of South Asian heritage. Dan has worked in health and wellbeing for over 25 years with LGBTQ+ communities. Dan will facilitate a safe online space for people to explore general and specific issues related to their gender and sexuality from lived experiences. If you want to find out more, or perhaps want to have a chat before attending the group, then please contact Dan at [email protected] We are primarily a social group. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis please follow THIS link. There is also further support you can access. We also have a find out service too. LGBTQ+ HangOuts is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund as part of a joint mental health programme in partnership with London Friend and Elop. LGBT HERO is funded to deliver online support groups for LGBTQ+ people. LGBTQ+ HangOuts is part of this work. How You Can Support LGBT HERO LGBT HERO thrives on community support. Here’s how you can make a difference: Donations: Your donations keep our services running and help us reach more people. Every bit counts! You can make a donation here Volunteering: Got some spare time? Volunteer with us and be part of the change. Your help is crucial. Fundraising: Join or organise fundraising events to support our cause. It’s a fun way to make a big impact. You can set up your own fundraiser here. Advocacy: Stand with us in our campaigns. Spread the word, join events, and push for policy changes that support LGBTQ+ rights. If you'd like to get involved with LGBT HERO, email [email protected] for more info. Join our newsletter for monthly updates to your inbox https://oi.vresp.com/?fid=bf73cc59ca Manage Cookie Preferences