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Helpline
Somerset Gay Health runs a general Helpline handling
enquiries Monday to Friday 9.00 – 5.00. Out of these times a recorded message has advice and information. You can also
leave a message
Here you
can access advice and information about safer sex, social problems, buddying to GUM (Genito-urinary medicine clinics) inclusion
problems or indeed anything that you feel you may need guidance on.
01823 327 078
Counselling
Somerset
Gay Health provides a free counselling service to individuals free of charge. Counsellors
receive regular supervision to enable them to work with you in the most efficient manner.
Meeting on a Wednesday night the service aims to help you work through some of the problems that get us down from time-to-time.
As with all SGH services the counsellors adhere to a confidentiality policy.
Contact
the counsellors here
voice@somersetgayhealth.com or telephone 07910 180705
Befriending.
Living
in Somerset we are very lucky to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. With easy access to parks, walks
and wide-open spaces the opportunity to have a little ‘me’ time with the great outdoors is everywhere we look.
Imagine if you live in the depths of the county with little or no access to other people and work independently often for
weeks at a time with no contact from other LGBT people? This is an extreme yet frequently seen example of rural Somerset.
The ethics behind the befriending service at SGH was to reach out to those isolated groups by visiting them at home, work,
the pub, at a meeting place somewhere or indeed anywhere you like for a chat, access to other services, advise and information
or perhaps to look at ways you can meet other like minded people and the options open to you.
Homophobic
Crime Reporting.
Recent statistics show
that homophobic crime is decreasing each year. This can be attributed to media, better support, a more ‘visible’
LGBT community and many other factors. However we know that Homophobic crime does still exist and can take many vicious and
debilitating forms. From workplace harassment to sexual assault the victim can be left feeling violated, depressed and even
suicidal. Don’t suffer alone. To target this problem crime needs to be
reported. You don’t have to give your name and can remain anonymous if you wish. SGH are a registered third party reporting
centre, incorporating the true vision reporting procedure. Contact SGH in confidence for more details and to arrange
a meeting or a pack through the post.
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Employee Support Networks
4U Group
The 4
U Group is a local authority support group that meets at Creetown House. Set up by LGBT Somerset County Council, and Somerset
NHS, employees for LGBT employees, they discuss and prepare action plans on issues such as de-stigmatisation, networking,
policy review and implementation as well as general support. There also a social side to the group as well. The
group is advertised on both SCC’s and Somerset NHS intranet sites.
Coffee
Morning
Somerset
Gay Health has run a successful coffee morning at Creetown House on Saturday mornings for many years. Running from 11.00-13.00
in a stigma free, safe environment this can be a place to meet new people, talk about current issues affecting the LGBT community
or simply somewhere to grab a quick coffee when you are passing.
GUM Buddying
This service was developed to reduce the stress and confusion around
STI testing. We can make all the arrangements for you, from the initial appointment to travel to and from the centre. Explaining
the process and helping you make the right decisions all ease the embarrassment and worry so commonly associated with these
procedures.
Advocacy.
Sometimes things happen that are out of our control. This can be anything from employer problems surrounding
sexuality to domestic abuse and homophobic attacks. We can advise, signpost and advocate on your behalf, helping you to resolve
your problems before they get out of hand. Call the adult worker on 01823 327 076 to arrange a meeting and discuss the options.
This service, like all the services at SGH are free of charge and subject to time constraints.
I've got a question
Keith our Adult Worker is very happy to answer any questions that you might have. Safer Sex, Befrinding,
Social Groups, Condoms. Ask a question, and Keith will do his very best to anwser.
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