QUEER wellbeing support

FREE Emotional & Mental Wellbeing Support For The Young LGBTQ+ Community in Brighton

Being a young person who identifies as LGBTQ+ might mean that some of the things you have experienced in your life have negatively impacted your mental health. Perhaps you may be exploring your gender identity or sexuality and feel isolated. 

The Wild Mind Project offers a range of nature and creative activities, and a safe space to share your thoughts or feelings with other LGBTQ+ young people, who are probably experiencing the same emotions or share the same worries as you.

An ever-growing body of research shows that nature can help with anxiety and depression, and creative activities help you relax and allows you to express yourself without judgment. Importantly you will have the opportunity to meet a group of new supportive friends.

A typical session might include a walk in nature, conservation work, foraging or gardening. This is combined with a range of creative activities such as plant-based dyeing, needle felting, drawing, whittling, lino cutting, clay modelling or cooking on an open fire. And of course, we talk. You can share your thoughts and experiences or just listen. 

Programmes are available for 11 to 15 and 16 to 25-year-olds.

NEW!! Monthly drop-in sessions

PRICE: FREE of charge.

DATES & TIMES:

Running monthly on the first Friday of the month from September 2023, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Suitable for queer young people aged 16 to 25.

1st Sep / 6th Oct / 3rd Nov / 1st Dec 2023

(No session in Jan) 2nd Feb / 1st Mar / 5th Apr / 3rd May 2024

Location: Stanmer Organics, Stanmer Park, Brighton, BN1 9PZ. Please note that this location is NOT suitable for Wheelchair access.

How To Book:

Please register your attendance so we can forward details.

Professionals – for enquiries please complete our Referral Form , contact us by email  or phone 01273 230102.

Five Week Wellbeing Programmes

PRICE:  FREE of charge.

DATES & TIMES:

Each programme runs weekly on a Sunday for a 5-week period, and each session is for 2-hours.

Five week programmes start on:

Sun 8th Oct 2023 – 10.30am to 12.30pm – suitable for 16-25 year olds.

Sun 11th Feb 2024 – 10.30am to 12.30pm – suitable for 11-15 year olds.

Sun 14th Apr 2024 – 10.30am to 12.30pm – suitable for 16-25 year olds.

Sun 2nd Jun 2024 – 10.30am to 12.30pm – suitable for 11-15 year olds.

Sun 21st Jul 2024 – 10.30am to 12.30pm – suitable for 16-25 year olds.

Sun 8th Sep 2024 – 10.30am to 12.30pm – suitable for 11-15 year olds.

Location: Stanmer Organics, Stanmer Park, Brighton, BN1 9PZ. Please note that this location is NOT suitable for Wheelchair access.

How To Book:

Please complete our online booking form .

Professionals – for enquiries please complete our Referral Form , contact us by email  or phone 01273 230102.

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Comments by young people who have attended our programmes.

” It has been amazing to do the sessions as it is really calm and relaxing. Being in nature has allowed time to unwind and socialising with fellow LGBTQ+ people has been lovely!”

“Ever since my childhood, I have been unfortunately plagued by a numerous amount of issues regarding my mental health.  I was struggling to wake up in the morning and to even find a purpose in anything at all. Being transgender in this day, still comes with unfortunate discriminations. This negatively impacts my mental health. In January, things took a positive turn. After spending years with CAMHS and feeling so done with everything, I was given the opportunity to meet up with likeminded people in a programme run by The Wild Mind Project. At first I was worried that it wouldn’t work out well, but as I ventured into my first session, I already felt so safe and warm, something I have never felt in my entire life, as I never had friends. From this, I found the purpose I have been severely lacking in my life from almost the very start, and I finally realised how amazing it feels to be loved, and to matter to those around you, while also being able to discuss important issues about gender identity, equality and so much more beyond those lines.”

“I know other queer people now and have been able to do creative projects. I loved doing water marbling, felting and bundle dyeing. This has made me more enthusiastic about trying new artistic things”

“It’s been really good meeting other LGBTQ+ young people and having a regular commitment. It’s been really cool meeting other autistic people as well because it can be quite hard to find other people”

“I experience homophobia and transphobia at work so it’s nice to have a place where I feel safe and accepted. The activities are fun and the meditations really help”

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The Wild Mind Project are very grateful to Brighton and Hove Council for providing funding for the drop-in sessions.

The Five Week Wellbeing Programmes are made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to run this series of programmes to support the young LGBTQ+ community.

Equality means more than passing laws. The struggle is really won in the
hearts and minds of the community, where it really counts.” Barbara Gittings