At the Heart of England Community Foundation, we believe in funding change that matters – and that means investing in projects that tackle inequality head-on and offer real, transformative support.
One such project is Birmingham LGBT’s Affirmative Counselling Service, which is making a difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ people across the city.
Thanks to support from the Fairer Futures Fund, Birmingham LGBT has been able to continue delivering high-quality, LGBTQ+ affirmative counselling – a service that’s as essential as it is empowering.
Mental health services aren’t one-size-fits-all. For many LGBTQ+ people, seeking help can be a daunting experience. Mainstream services often lack cultural competence, and too many LGBTQ+ individuals report feeling misunderstood, judged, or even subjected to discrimination.
Affirmative counselling changes that. It validates LGBTQ+ identities, challenges internalised shame, and creates a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can talk openly about the unique challenges they face – from coming out, to discrimination, to navigating complex family dynamics.
Research shows the need is urgent:
- Over half of LGBTQ+ people have experienced depression in the past year.
- 1 in 8 LGBTQ+ people aged 18–24 have attempted suicide.
- Trans people in particular are disproportionately affected by poor mental health, with 46% having considered suicide in the last year.
- Many experience unequal treatment from healthcare staff simply because of who they are.
(Source: Stonewall, LGBT Health in Britain, 2018)
Through the Fairer Futures grant, Birmingham LGBT is able to offer up to 12 sessions of tailored, LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy – extendable in cases of clinical need.
Here’s one example:
A 32-year-old client, identifying as a non-binary Male, came to the service struggling with anxiety and low self-worth. Over 13 sessions, they explored family dynamics, processed childhood trauma, and developed healthier coping strategies. They left the service feeling more self-aware, more resilient, and better able to manage their anxiety and set boundaries.
This is what Birmingham LGBT does best: helping individuals heal and thrive by affirming who they are.
As one service user put it:
“Everyone I spoke to was friendly and helpful and were very accommodating and understanding of my needs regarding disability, neurodiversity, trans and queerness.”
Another shared:
“I felt comfortable and welcome, understood and supported.”
As we celebrate Pride this month, we’re proud to stand with Birmingham LGBT. By funding projects like this one, we’re helping build a happier, healthier and fairer region.
If you’re in need of support or would like to know more, head to Birmingham LGBT’s website here: Birmingham LGBT – Supporting Birmingham’s LGBTQ+ Community