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Rainbow Mind
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The Rainbow Mind Podcast
Rainbow Mind Greater Manchester aims to tackle mental health issues for individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community through affirming, community‑rooted support. Our work includes one‑to‑one therapy, mindful movement, community programmes, outreach, and partnerships – all designed to uplift and empower LGBTQIA+ people.
Our mission
Rainbow Mind Greater Manchester is commited to championing mental health issues for LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities across Greater Manchester.
Our aims
- To offer inclusive, sensitive and non-judgmental support, providing a safe space for LGBTQIA+ individuals to be their authentic selves free from judgement or discrimination.
- To reduce social isolation for LGBTQIA+ people by providing opportunities for individuals to socialise and have access to facilitated, peer and user-led community support.
- To challenge assumptions, fears and prejudices about people who experience mental health problems and about the lives of people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
1-1 Therapy
We are proud to offer free, bespoke, Compassion Focused Therapy for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Greater Manchester (aged 18+).
Radical Self Care Courses
These are group sessions led by our experienced LGBTQIA+ practitioners, aimed at teaching mindfulness and self-care skills that are specific to the LGBTQIA+ experience. These courses run for 8 weeks and offer a supportive peer environment.
Mindful Movement
We offer free, inclusive, and gentle spaces to connect with yourself, nature, and other people from within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Events
You’ll often find us out and about! From fundraisers to Pride events and everything in between, we love celebrating our community and being part of the conversations and causes that bring people together.
Rainbow Mind is a collaborative service between Mind in Salford and Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest, aiming to tackle mental health issues for individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community.
A Message From Our Northern Hub Lead, Markus Greenwood
It’s a privilege to work for Rainbow Mind. Our community is facing increasingly challenging times, and sadly, prejudice and stigma remain a part of our everyday reality. That’s why it’s so important to have spaces where we can feel safe, supported, and free to be our full queer selves. Rainbow Mind is committed to care, equity, and the wellbeing of all LGBTQIA+ people.
Get In Touch
How to contact Rainbow Mind Greater Manchester
Rainbow Mind Greater Manchester is part of Mind in Salford, based at The Angel Centre in Salford, just off Chapel Street.
Email: rainbowmind@mindinsalford.org.uk
Phone: 0161 710 1070
Address: Mind in Salford, The Angel Centre, 1 St. Philips Place, Salford, M3 6FA
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Looking for the London Hub?
The London hub for Rainbow Mind is part of Mind in City, Hackney and Waltham Forest, based in a central office on Tudor Road, with a second location called ‘The Hub’.
Email: rainbowmind@mindchwf.org.uk
Address: Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest, 8-10 Tudor Road, Hackney, E9 7SN
Additional resources
Below is a selection of LGBTQIA+ organisations based in the local area:
LGBT Foundation
LGBT Foundation provide a wide range of support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people, including a range of support groups; counselling; a befriending scheme; a sexual health programme, a substance-misuse project, and many more.
They also have a helpline that you can call on 0345 3 30 30 30, Monday to Friday, between 10am and 6pm. Outside of these hours you can email them via helpline@lgbt.foundation for further information and support.
42nd Street – Inside Out
42nd Street’s Inside Out service supports young people, aged 13-25 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or questioning their gender identity and/or sexuality (LGBTQIA+).
They offer individual therapeutic support with an ‘out’ LGBTQIA+ worker and deliver groups and projects throughout the year.
Older and Bolder
A social and support group for men over 40 who identify as gay or bisexual, or who are questioning.
The group will provide a safe, encouraging and non judgemental space for men to take part in themed discussions and activities, and also to expand their social networks away from the village environment.
Horizon
Horizon (formally Carousel) is a relaxed social group for lesbian and bisexual women and for those who are questioning their sexual orientation.
It provides a valuable opportunity for women to come together, both in and away from the gay scene and take part in varied activities which are planned by the group themselves and range from quizzes and meals out to video evenings and discussions as well as a lot of laughs.
Sparkle
The Sparkle mission is to promote a positive public image of the Trans community within the UK and beyond. Their aim is to build confidence and resilience, to develop understanding and cohesion in society and to challenge stigma.
The National Transgender Charity organises the Sparkle Weekend celebration in July of each year. They also hold a series of events throughout the year to actively promote fundraising and Trans awareness.
African Rainbow Family
Offer support to LGBTQIA+ people of African heritage including refugees, and wider Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups (BAME).
ARF offers support for LGBTQIA+ refugees and people seeking asylum, campaigns for global LGBTQIA+ equality, stands against hate crimes, and supports communities who face constant harassment, and discrimination because of their sexuality and or gender identity.
Trans Pride Manchester
Dedicated to supporting, advocating for and celebrating the transgender and non-binary community in the Greater Manchester area.
They aim to create safe spaces, empower individuals, and promote education and awareness about the diverse experiences of gender identity.
