We
facilitate and support a number of social and support groups in our Community Centre in the heart of Manchester's Gay Village. These groups provide a safe and
welcoming environment for LGBT people who may feel isolated, have recently or are
thinking about coming out or are new to the area and are looking to make new friends.
We realise it can be challenging to access a group on your own, and it can definitely be difficult to walk into a room full of strangers, but many people soon adapt and discover an environment where they can make new friends, feel safe, and not be judged. The groups are usually run by either volunteers or staff, so if you feel like you need some assurance or more information, please talk to them, they are here to help you!
All groups try and deliver a number of activities and discussions which are diverse and cater for everyone, however if a particular session isn’t what you want or need (i.e. a photography workshop when you have no interest in photography) then that’s ok too, most groups are designed so you don’t have to attend every session and you can dip in and out.
If you are thinking about attending a group, it may be a good idea if you call 0345 3 30 30 30 or email [email protected] to see if the group is running that evening. Most of the time it will be, but some groups are subject to change.
If you are interested in supporting the groups by volunteering as a facilitator, please email [email protected].
If you are nervous or unsure about coming to any of the groups or have any questions, we can always organise for someone to meet you before hand to reassure you. Please ring 0345 3 30 30 30 or email [email protected]
Lesbian Immigration Support Group
We are a group of women in Greater Manchester who support lesbian and bisexual asylum seekers and refugees.
The group consists of several volunteers who supports women seeking asylum from countries such as Afghanistan, Jamaica, Liberia, Gambia, Saudi Arabia, Uganda, Cameroon, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Iran, Namibia, South Africa, Pakistan, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi and Somalia.
Think you would be a good fit? Get in touch for more information!
A quarterly event for trans communities at LGBT Foundation.
April 15th 2023 and October 14th - 11.30am - 4pm
A social group for trans / non-binary people, those questioning their gender identity or with a trans history.
Please contact the Facebook page directly for more information. https://www.facebook.com/ConnectMCR
Relaxed and friendly social space for non-binary individuals (18+)
Please contact the Facebook page directly for more information https://www.facebook.com/MxerMCR/
They / Them / Us - 4th Friday, 6-8PM - Online
A social group for those who identify as gender fluid / non-binary / questioning
Trans Forum - 4th Saturday of each month @ LGBT Foundation and other online events
https://en-gb.facebook.com/TransForumManchester/
Forge - Manchester
Icebreakers - Thursdays 8-9.30PM @ LGBT Foundation
A social and support group for gay/bisexual men, especially if isolated, new to Manchester or coming out
Bi Programme - 2nd Monday, 6-8pm
Social group for everyone who identifies as bi, pan, polysexual or any term that describes an attraction to more than one gender
Email us on [email protected] for details of the next meetings.
A social and support group for over 18s who identify as bisexual or questioning
Chemsafe
We will cover topics such as; consent, sober sex, harm reduction, online safety and other topics that are identified as relevant.
As with all our groups there will be an element of peer support, here specifically for people who have been or are currently being affected by crystal meth/GBL and other substances relating to chemsex. This group consists of friendly and non-judgmental people who are there to give each other peer-led advice and share experiences to help overcome substance misuse, chemsex triggers and empower each other to reach individual goals whether that be sober sex or a harm reduction route, your journey is yours to make!
Here and Now
A safe space for LGBT people affected by substance misuse to support each other. Acupuncture and meditation available
SMART Recovery
A CBT-based programme that supports people to manage their recovery from any type of addictive behaviour
See our Recovery Support Group Page for Full Details - https://lgbt.foundation/recovery/groups
A social & support group for those who identify as LGBTQ+ who are Muslim
Out with Prostate Cancer - 1st Saturday, 2-6pm
A social and support group for any LGBT person affected by prostate cancer.
1. Welcome all members to the group and help provide a friendly environment
2. We will be respectful of an individual’s choice to self-identify, whether that’s their sexual orientation or gender. We recognise that some may not choose to identify on any binary (for example, male or female, gay or straight), and we will not assume or place labels on our fellow group members.
3. We will use gender neutral language and be mindful and respectful of people’s choice of pronoun – we fully welcome trans individuals to all our services and will endeavour to be inclusive
4. We have the right to speak and also to remain silent
5. Anything discussed in the group should stay confidential, be tactful if you see other members of the group outside
6. Try not to talk over each other, especially when people are presenting
7. Try not to dominate discussion, other people may have an opinion
8. Treat all members of the group with respect, even if you disagree with them. Challenge the issue not the person
9. Aggressive behaviour towards other service users, volunteers or staff is not acceptable and you will be asked to leave the group
10. Do not access the group if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will be asked to leave the group and come back when not under the influence
11. Mobile phones should be on silent, please step outside the room to use
12. The group room in everyone’s responsibility, please help to keep the area clean and tidy
13. Remember this is a social space. If you feel like you need additional support, please talk to a member of the Wellbeing Team
