How we brought Pride to Powys

mind.org.uk:

Mid and North Powys Mind has been running an LGBTQ+ peer support group since 2017. The group was set up after a need was identified to provide a safe, supportive space for people who identify as LGBTQ+ to meet with peers, enabling people to discuss the issues they were facing that were impacting on their mental health, reducing isolation and improving people’s sense of wellbeing.

Initially the group met monthly, increasing to once a fortnight quite quickly, on request of the members."The group were passionate about reducing stigma and ensuring that those who needed it were able to access support."As a peer led group, members wanted to raise awareness about being LGBTQ+ in Powys and help reduce the stigma that is attached and ease the effects of minority stress.

The group invited the local Police LGBTQ+ liaison officer to speak, which created good links and promoted safety. The group also went to film showings and discussed specific topics requested by group members.