23.04.24
At St Catharine's
Health and Wellbeing Team
The welfare team at St Catharine’s has a range of experience in supporting LGBTQ+ students, staff and Fellows, working closely with centralised support available at the University and College-based representatives. We recognise some of the unique experiences and specific needs that LGBTQ+ members of our community may have when seeking welfare support and are committed to be a welcoming and safe space where LGBTQ+ people can feel heard, seen and effectively supported.
The Community Health Practitioner, Head of Wellbeing and Chaplain all offer confidential support (within appropriate professional bounds) and can signpost members of our community to sources of support if this is outside their area of expertise. Here are some of the ways the Health and Wellbeing team can offer support:
- Discussing mental health concerns or difficulties, providing emotional support and signposting to counselling services
- Co-ordinating with other college and university support services to help provide joined up support
- A safe space to discuss issues relating to identity, belonging and your place in the world
Find out more about how to get in touch with the welfare team and the wider support available.
LGBTQ+ Fellow
The College has appointed a dedicated LGBTQ+ Fellow who enhances the visibility of the support available for students, staff and Fellows on LGBTQ+ issues, Dr Caroline Gonda is available to discuss any LGBTQ+ issues that St Catharine’s members may encounter and is also responsible for convening a new LGBTQ+ Care Group.
LGBTQ+ Care Group
The LGBTQ+ Care Group is a college-based forum dedicated to discussing issues that affect LGBTQ+ members of the St Catharine’s community. The LGBTQ+ Care Group can recommend further investigation and/or action to the College’s various committees to ensure any issues are resolved as effectively as possible. Find out more about the group and who to contact.
Community organisations in Cambridge (not affiliated to the University)
The Kite Trust
The Kite Trust offers support for LBGT+ young people in Cambridgeshire under the age of 25, as well as free social groups. One to one support is available both face to face and over Skype and is a confidential service, which is tailored to your needs. The Kite Trust is a great way of accessing emotional and social support.
Dhiverse
enquiries@dhiverse.org.uk
01223 508805
Dhiverse are a sexual health charity based in Cambridge. They offer a wide range of support around sexual health, including counselling and testing services. Anyone can self-refer for counselling for issues around sexual health, sexuality, sexual identity, sexual relationships, sexual trauma or HIV an impacting your mental health and wellbeing. Sessions are free but donations are welcome. Up to 12 sessions are offered.
Encompass Network
http://encompassnetwork.org.uk/
01223 608118
Encompass Network promotes a better quality of life for LGBTQ+ people in Cambridgeshire by enabling networking and capacity building for the LGBTQ+ voluntary and community sector. They host events for LGBTQ+ people in Cambridge such as meet ups for Trans and Non-Binary people and coordinate events for LGBTQ+ history month across Cambridge.
National support networks
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
https://switchboard.lgbt/how-we-can-help
0300 330 0630 (10am-10pm)
Switchboard, is an LGBT+ Helpline, a safe space for anyone to discuss anything, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional well-being. They are focussed on supporting people to explore the right options for themselves.
Galop
0800 999 5428 (Mon–Weds: 10am–5pm; Thurs: 10am–10pm; Fri: 1–10pm; Sun: 12–4pm (Tues 1–5pm is trans specific service)
Galop is the leading LGBT anti-violence and abuse charity. Galop provides advice, support and advocacy to people who have experienced a hate crime, domestic abuse and sexual violence. All of its services are confidential and free. They offer a trans specific service on their helpline every Tuesday afternoon between 1pmand 5pm.
LGBT Foundation
https://lgbt.foundation/who-were-here-for
0345 3 30 30 30
The LGBT Foundation provide a wide range of support services to lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. In particular they have a wealth of online resources alongside their Information, Support and Advice Line which is open 9am–9pm weekdays and 10am–6pm on weekends.
Stonewall
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/help-and-advice
Stonewall are a UK based organisation advocating for LGBT+ rights and support. They also have an Information Service. They are currently operating a voicemail-only function on their phone lines but you can leave a message, including details of the best time to call you back, and they will do our best to get back to you within three working days. You can also contact via email on info@stonewall.org.uk.
The Information Service is contactable on 0800 0502020, lines are open 9:30 - 4:30 Monday to Friday.
