Rainbow Mind is a collaborative service between Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest and Mind in Salford, aiming to tackle mental health issues for individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community.
For more information and the latest events, visit us at:
At a time when LGBTQIA+ issues have never been more in the spotlight, and with a disparity between the number of LGBTQIA+ individuals experiencing mental ill health and the rest of the population (the average is 1 in 4 people in any given year, but in the LGBTQIA+ community can reach levels as high as 70%), Rainbow Mind hopes to address this growing need for support in key areas of the UK.
We offer courses, group sessions and support options for LGBTQIA+ people and groups across the UK.
We support the mental health of LGBTQIA+ people across Greater Manchester and London.
We work alongside other LGBTQIA+ organisations to share best practice and maximise our impact.
These are group sessions led by our experienced LGBTQIA+ practitioners, aimed at teaching mindfulness and self-care skills that are specific to the LGBTQIA+ experience. These courses run for 8 weeks and offer a supportive peer environment.Learn more
1) 8 Week Online Group Course
Monday 7th October – 25th November 6:30 – 8:30pm
Are you are struggling with your mental health, self-criticism or self-image?
This course is centred on a strengths-based model that helps people enhance their capacity for awareness and emotional balancing. Recent research has shown that this course improves psychological wellbeing and reduces self-criticism, perfectionism, and shame.
It is completely free of charge, and will be delivered online to improve access. This is a safe space and everyone over the age of 18 who is part of the LGBTQIA+ community is welcome.
To find out more and to sign up please contact [email protected]
2) 8 Week Online Group Course – Recovery Focused
Wednesday 9th October – 4th December 6:30 – 8 pm
Need a safe and supportive space to help with your recovery? Our Radical Self-Care model has been adapted specifically for LGBTQIA+ people who are struggling with substance misuse and are on their way to recovery.
The course will be delivered by experienced recovery mental health practitioners. It will offer an opportunity to enhance your strategies and tools for coping and recovery, as well as improving your confidence, resilience and sense of self-worth.
If you are interested in this course, please direct any questions and express your interest by emailing the team at rainbowmindchwf.org.uk
These sessions are with our LGBTQIA+ therapists based in Salford with 8 free sessions being offered to discuss common mental health issues such as anxiety, low mood, questioning sexual orientation and/or gender identity, relationships, and the LGBTQIA+ experience in wider society.
We offer two online LGBTQIA+ support groups:
Queer Connect – A welcoming and accepting online space for young LGBTQIA+ people aged 18-25 to connect, share and explore topics about mental health and wellbeing through creativity and conversation. Sign up here
Active Pride – Includes online & in-person sessions that promote mindfulness through physical activity, such as boxing, walking and swimming. Our sessions are open to those who identify as LGBTQIA+ and to those exploring gender, sexuality, identity, and relationship diversity. Each session is run by a practitioner who identifies as LGBTQIA+.
Specialised intersectional programmes for People of Colour.
If you’d like to find out more about Rainbow Mind and the services and support that we offer, please email one of our hubs below, depending on your closest location:
Email: [email protected]
Mind in City, Hackney and Waltham Forest is based in a central office on Tudor Road, with a second location called ‘The Hub’.
Mind in the City
Hackney and Waltham Forest, 8-10 Tudor Road, Hackney, E9 7SN
Email: [email protected]
Mind in Salford is based in The Angel Centre in Salford, just off Chapel Street.
Mind in Salford
The Angel Centre, 1 St. Philips Place, Salford, M3 6FA
Below is a selection of LGBTQIA+ organisations based in the local area:
LGBT Foundation provide a wide range of support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people, including a range of support groups; counselling; a befriending scheme; a sexual health programme, a substance-misuse project, and many more.
They also have a helpline that you can call on 0345 3 30 30 30, Monday to Friday, between 10am and 6pm. Outside of these hours you can email them via [email protected] for further information and support.
42nd Street’s Inside Out service supports young people, aged 13-25 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or questioning their gender identity and/or sexuality (LGBTQIA+).
They offer individual therapeutic support with an ‘out’ LGBTQIA+ worker and deliver groups and projects throughout the year.
A social and support group for men over 40 who identify as gay or bisexual, or who are questioning.
The group will provide a safe, encouraging and non judgemental space for men to take part in themed discussions and activities, and also to expand their social networks away from the village environment.
Horizon (formally Carousel) is a relaxed social group for lesbian and bisexual women and for those who are questioning their sexual orientation.
It provides a valuable opportunity for women to come together, both in and away from the gay scene and take part in varied activities which are planned by the group themselves and range from quizzes and meals out to video evenings and discussions as well as a lot of laughs.
The Sparkle mission is to promote a positive public image of the Trans community within the UK and beyond. Their aim is to build confidence and resilience, to develop understanding and cohesion in society and to challenge stigma.
The National Transgender Charity organises the Sparkle Weekend celebration in July of each year. They also hold a series of events throughout the year to actively promote fundraising and Trans awareness.
Offer support to LGBTQIA+ people of African heritage including refugees, and wider Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups (BAME).
ARF offers support for LGBTQIA+ refugees and people seeking asylum, campaigns for global LGBTQIA+ equality, stands against hate crimes, and supports communities who face constant harassment, and discrimination because of their sexuality and or gender identity.
Dedicated to supporting, advocating for and celebrating the transgender and non-binary community in the Greater Manchester area.
They aim to create safe spaces, empower individuals, and promote education and awareness about the diverse experiences of gender identity.
