LGBTQ+ Connect, Care and Share

The project continued providing welcoming spaces where people could connect with others, share experiences, learn new skills and support one another. Alongside regular social activities, we introduced sessions around health, communication, bullying, public speaking, overcoming challenges and practical problem solving. Members were encouraged not only to take part, but also to contribute their own knowledge, interests and skills – strengthening connections within the groups.

Creating spaces where people could be themselves.

The groups brought together people of different ages, identities and backgrounds. The Denbigh group moved to Ruthin Youth Centre and became The Friday Mix & Allies, welcoming LGBTQ+ young people and allies aged 12-18. The Wrexham group welcomed people aged 17-33, while the Rhyl group brought together LGBTQ+ people and allies across a much wider age range.

Rhyl group – attendance increased by 175% with a total of 22 people. Ruthin group – attendance rose by 153% with a total of 38 young people.

What became particularly clear was that people valued having a place where they could simply be themselves without judgement. For some, LGBTQ+ identity was an important part of the conversations; for others, the value was simply being around people who understood them, sharing a meal, listening to music, playing games or having a laugh together. The Friday Mix members particularly valued having the freedom to join activities, chat with friends, enjoy their hobbies or simply spend time in the space in whatever way felt comfortable for them.

 

 

 

From participation to confidence

A key strength of the project was the opportunity for members to become contributors rather than simply participants. Members volunteered to teach others about their interests, helped plan activities and parties, cooked meals and shared their skills.

Activities ranged from arts and crafts, badge-making and cooking to bowling, karaoke, board games, themed discussions and guest speakers. Members shared interests including drawing, storytelling, magic tricks, neuroscience, video games and much more. These experiences gave people opportunities to try something new, lead an activity and discover that their contribution was valued.

For some young people, this translated into greater confidence outside the group. One member used the group to practise a presentation before attending a Health and Wellbeing conference, receiving feedback and making changes that helped her feel more confident. Another member went on to volunteer with Young And Mindful CIC, supporting social media, activities, consultations and completing safeguarding training.

• “Being part of this group lifted my mood. Having space to talk about my week and what I’d been through made me feel supported and seen.” Lottie

Reducing isolation through connection

Perhaps one of the strongest messages from the project was the importance of having somewhere to belong.

Members described the groups as something to look forward to each week. For some, they helped reduce social isolation, loneliness and boredom. The opportunity to share food, talk about the week, play games and spend time with others created meaningful social connections that extended beyond the sessions.

The impact was also evident in the friendships that developed. Members reported making new friends and then continuing those relationships in other settings, including school. Others became more comfortable participating in activities and talking with people they had not previously known.

• “I actually look forward to coming, it was the highlight of my week.” “Playing board games together brought us closer.” Ashe

Bringing generations together

An important and unexpected strength of the project was the opportunity for intergenerational connection. Members from the different groups met through PRIDE events and other activities, sharing music, stories, hobbies and skills.

Older and younger members were able to spend time together without the focus always being on their differences. Older participants described feeling hopeful when they saw younger members becoming more confident and happier, while younger members had opportunities to meet people from different generations and hear different experiences.

• “I don’t feel like I have to hide that side of myself as much.” “I’ve figured out more about myself just by being around people like me.” “I feel more myself, when I’m in this group.” Jess

More than a weekly group.

The impact of LGBTQ+ Connect, Care and Share extended beyond the scheduled sessions. Members continued to keep in contact with each other, attended other community events together, became involved in volunteering and supported the development of other local projects. Some members have continued working to keep their groups going beyond the funded project.

The project demonstrated that creating a regular, welcoming space can have an impact far beyond the activities delivered within it. Friendship created confidence. Connection created belonging. And having a safe place to be yourself created opportunities for people to grow.

For Young & Mindful, LGBTQ+ Connect, Care and Share reinforced the importance of creating spaces where people are not defined solely by their identity or their challenges, but are able to connect, contribute, have fun, learn from one another and simply enjoy being themselves.