MindOut, the LGBT mental health project celebrated a year in the life of MindOut at the Dorset Gardens Methodist Church last Wednesday, October 16.
All aspects of their work were profiled and then some service users gave short talks about why MindOut was important to them.
It was powerful stuff, but the message from each one was very clear, MindOut is a lifeline to many LGBT people with mental health problems and has created within the project a community of people who give each other support and most importantly helps service users develop their confidence. Each speaker, though clearly nervous and at times emotional was magnificent!
The Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Cllr Denise Cobb disregarded her prepared speech and spoke from the heart thanking each speaker for sharing their story with everyone present and acknowledging the vital contribution MindOut makes to the lives of so many LGBT people in Brighton and Hove.
The following awards were then presented by project Director, Helen Jones, and chair of the trustees Kate Webb to the following people:
• Phil Brooke: For all his excellent work for the Advocacy Project
• Andrew Doig: For all his excellent work as company secretary, allotment and cookery volunteer
• Karen Sharman/Dolly Rocket: For all her support for their fundraising events
• Steph Scott and The Clare Project: For all their support with MindOut outreach to the Trans Community
• The Camelford Arms: For all their fundraising for MindOut
• Mike Gaunt: For all his work as a trustee, marathon runner and cup cake supremo
• Vikki Hayward-Cripps: For all her work and support as a MindOut trustee
• James Ledward: For all his media support for mental health
Lunch Positive the award winning HIV charity who provide a healthy meal every Friday for people who are positive served a lavish buffet and the Rainbow Chorus conducted by their musical director Aneesa Chaudhry sang a selection of their favourite numbers to finish the evening off.
A great event highlighting the services offered by MindOut from an organisation that is open and transparent about their activities and the services they offer.
