South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 06/07/2012

Organised by Bristol and South Glos Local Involvement Networks (LINk), the event on Monday 9 July at the Watershed between 4.30-7.30pm, will give LGBT members who access mental health services in the area the chance to share their experiences of what they like and don’t like about the services they receive so they can help influence change.

Heather Goddard, chair of the shadow health and well being board, said:

“Studies show that LGBT people show higher levels of anxiety, depression and suicidal feelings than heterosexuals. Poor levels of mental health among gay and bisexual people have often been linked to experiences of homophobic discrimination and bullying.

“This event is an opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans people and those exploring their sexual or gender identities to share their experiences, highlight issues and concerns and raise awareness with a view to influencing change in relation to mental health services.”

Mental health commissioners from South Gloucestershire will be at the event to hear people’s experiences first hand and it is hoped that lots of LGBT people from the district will go along.

The event is one of a series happening throughout Pride Week, ending with the main Pride Day celebration, which is being held on College Green, Bristol on Saturday 14 July from 11am. Staff from South Gloucestershire Council will also be on hand during this event in the Cooperative Community Area.

Cllr Ian Scott, chair of South Gloucestershire Council’s public health and health scrutiny committee, added: “We are committed to supporting LGBT people struggling with their emotional and physical health and also to challenging the stigma and discrimination faced by many LGBT people in our society.”