New Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) Carers Support Group and Online Forum to be launched this Carers Week (June 14 -18).
June 11, 2010
"Other carers telling me their experiences was really important to me and a life line really" Roy, LGBT carer.
Do you regularly support a partner, relative, friend or neighbour who is ill, frail, disabled or misuses substances?
Do you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans?
If you can answer “YES” to these questions, brand new services are about to launch in the North West that have been developed especially for YOU.
One of the main hurdles to carers accessing the support they are entitled to, is that many people don't see themselves as carers, but if you regularly support a partner, relative, friend or neighbour who is ill, frail, disabled or misuses substances - you are helping to care for someone.
GET ONLINE!
As part of the service you will be able to go online and find information to help you as an LGBT carer, keep up to date with relevant news and events, and interact with other carers who understand how you feel. You will also be able to find useful links to services in your area that are LGBT friendly and there to support you. This online service will be completely safe and confidential for everyone. To join the online LGBT Carers Forum, sign up at www.lgf.org.uk/carers
GET PHYSICAL!
For some carers, physically meeting other carers face-to-face is a good way of getting the information and support that you need. There will be a support group launching in Manchester on Wednesday 16th June at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF) for carers to come along to – either as a one-off drop in to pick up information or for more regular support. This group will understand your needs as an LGBT carer and can be your first step into other LGBT friendly services to support you.
GET ONBOARD!
So what are you waiting for? Carers who have already accessed the LGF's LGBT carers services have highlighted the benefits of coming to a service where you can be supported and open about your sexuality.
Emily who identifies as bisexual said: "having a carers course at the LGF was good because you didn’t have to ‘come out’ (and potentially deal with homophobic/biphobic reactions) while talking about personal things...it is really helpful and can make you feel less isolated and more confident".
Roy, another LGBT carer added: "I would say that for someone who as an LGBT carer thinks they are on their own, there are other people out there you can talk to, you can listen to, there’s a group that can help you. Other carers telling me their experiences was really important to me and a life line really".
Come along to the LGBT Carers Forum launch event at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF), Third Floor, Princess House, Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6DD on Wednesday June 16th (5.30pm-7.30pm) to meet other carers and find out about the support that is available to you. The group will then meet at the LGF on the last Monday of every month from Monday June 28th (5.30pm-7.30pm).
For more information about these services or the launch event, contact Glenn Street on 0161 234 4254 or join up now at www.lgf.org.uk/carers.
