Our Rainbow Buddy service is our Befriending and Peer Support service, providing One to One support, Wellbeing Peer Support Groups & Social Groups for LGBT people across Greater Manchester who are socially isolated or at risk of becoming isolated.
How does Rainbow Buddies work?
Some of our buddies have lived experience as an LGBTQ+ person, and some are LGBTQ+ allies. You will then "get-together” over the phone with them for a chat at least once a week for around 30 minutes. After eight sessions over two months you will graduate from the programme and be given access to our range of LGBT Foundation groups, including the chance to meet others who have benefited from the Buddies programme.
Who is it for?
People who are:
- a Manchester or Greater Manchester resident
- aged 18+
- LGBTQ+ or questioning (people who have come out or are not out yet)
- experiencing feelings of loneliness or isolation
- able to access a landline or mobile phone
- able to commit to regular calls (one or two per week)
We are particularly looking to support those who are:
- over 50
- people of colour
- disabled
- seeking asylum or refuge
- on a low income or are unemployed
- unable to access LGBT Foundation groups at this time for any reason
- carers
A telephone call will be made with you to establish your eligibility for this service. If you are someone with complex needs or if we establish that your needs are not linked to being lonely or isolated then you may be referred to a different support service.
How do I get support and access the service?
We are not currently accepting referrals for Rainbow Buddies however please check back on this page for updates or contact us on [email protected]
How do I become a befriender?
Please check back on this page for information on when applications are opened again.
