Support groups in England and Wales

Here are the details of some support groups and services available to gay and bisexual men across the UK. For details of support groups and services in London, visit: www.gmfa.org.uk/londonservices/support-groups.

For youth groups and general social groups, visit GMFA's Guide To Gay Sports Clubs and Social Groups.

Birmingham
Brighton
Bristol
Colchester
Gateshead
Liverpool
Manchester
Newcastle
Norfolk
North Yorkshire
Sheffield
Southend
Southport
Teeside
Wolverhampton

Birmingham

Married Men's Group (MMG) at HGL: a group provides support for men who are married or in a relationship with women. Alternate Mondays 6-7.45pm. For more info phone: 0121 440 6161.

Mayisha at HGL: a group to help support the social needs of Black African and Afro-Caribbean men and women. For more information email: Mayishabham@yahoo.co.uk.

LGBT Alcohol Support Group at HGL: provides support to individuals, partners, friends and families who are affected by problematic alcohol use. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month 7.30-9.30pm. For more info phone Tony on 07941 238170 or email: glbtas@yahoo.co.uk.

Brighton

The Lounge: a peer support group for gay men who have been living with HIV for two years or more. Held in Brighton for residents of Sussex. People can drop-in and socialise, seek advice and information, or just relax. Ring 01273 764 200 or email info.brighton@tht.org.uk for more information.

Bristol

HIV support

THT West: one-to-one support; hardship fund, advocacy and advice for HIV positive men in Bristol, Swindon and Gloucestershire.
Positive Gay Men’s Group at THT West: A peer support group open to all HIV-positive gay men. Every first Wednesday of the month, 7.30 – 9.30pm.
Complementary therapies for men living with HIV at THT.
For more information on all these services phone THT West on 0117 955 1000.

Other support in Bristol

Bristol Family and Friends at THT West: a peer support group for the family and friends of gay men and lesbians who are having difficulty coming to terms with their loved one’s sexuality. Every third Wednesday of the month, 7-9.00pm. Phone: 01454 898 644 or 0117 950 4104

No.8 at THT West: an informal community peer support group for men who are married or in a relationship with a female partner, but who are questioning their sexuality and/or having sex with other men. Every first Thursday of the month, 6- 7.30pm. For more info phone: 0117 941 2440.

So Out in the South West: social and support group for disabled gay men living and/or working in the South West. For more info phone: 07943 113894, email: so.out@virgin.net or visit: www.soout.com.

Colchester

General Support Group: a support group for people living with HIV in North Essex on Tuesdays 12noon-4pm. For more information phone: 01206 798 595 or email: info.colchester@tht.org.uk.

Gateshead

Stag group: social activities away from the commercial gay scene, access to safer sex resources, plus a gay library and gay press. Meets Mondays from 7.30pm in central Gateshead. Phone Steve and Mark on 0191 490 1699.

Liverpool

BOLD: support group for people with learning disabilities at The Armistead Project. Phone Phil on 07789 927 276 or 0151 227 1931.

50+ Group: group for men over 50. Phone Gareth or Kathy on 0151 227 1931.

Gay & Bisexual men’s HIV-positive group: group for HIV-positive men over 20-years-old. Phone Phil 07789 927 276 or Paul 07887 657 128.

Parents & Carers Group: support for parents and carers of LGB people atThe Armistead Project. Phone Phil on 07789 927 276 or Paul on 0151 227 1931.

Manchester

LGF Black LGBT Group: a support and social group for black people who identify as LGBT. Activities include discussions, socials and outgoings. The group meets on the last Thursday of every month between 7.30-9pm

LGF Ice Breakers: a self-help group which cater for gay and bisexual men who are coming out, coming out of a relationship, feeling isolated or who are new to Manchester. The group meets Wednesdays from 8pm before moving on to the village for a drink.

LGF 40+ Gay Men’s Group: a group provides a safe and welcoming environment for gay and bisexual men aged 40 and above. Activities range from talks to quizzes and watching videos, as well as the occasional trip out. Thursday evenings from 7-9pm.

LGF Gay Married Men’s Group: for men who are, or have been, in a heterosexual relationship and are attracted to other men. Attendees do not necessarily identify as being gay or bisexual. Meetings are held every first and third Tuesday 7.30-9pm.

Other LGF groups: include Biphoria (support for bisexual people), LGB Smoke Free (support for giving up smoking) and LGF Art Class.

For info on all LGF groups visit www.lgf.org.uk or phone the LGF helpline on 0845 3 30 30 30.

Newcastle

Gay Men Tyneside (GMT): offers social activities as an alternative to the commercial gay scene, and is open to gay/bisexual men who are 20 and over. Meets Wednesday evenings. For more info phone: 07857 837 319 or MESMAC North East on 0191 233 1333 or visit:

www.gay-men-tyneside.org.uk.

Norfolk

Time Out: a confidential social and peer support group for men who are gay, bisexual or exploring their sexuality. Meets every Tuesday evening in a safe, discreet venue in Norwich. Phone: 01603 219299 or email: taketimeout@hotmail.com.

North Yorkshire

Gay Men Talking Northallerton: social group meeting on the first and third Tuesday of the month. For more info phone Gary on 01325 259084.

Sheffield

Indigo: a support and social group for LGB people from a black minority background. Offering one-to-one support and information. The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month 6.30-9.30pm. For more info phone: 07974 199 230, email: indigo@chiv.nhs.uk or visit: www.myspace.com/indigosheffield.

Southend

Peer Support Group: group for people living with HIV in South and West Essex. Just drop-in for general information, advice and support or to meet people and share experiences on Wednesdays. For more info phone: 01702 340 791 or email: info.southend@tht.org.uk.

Southport

Sefton men’s group: group for gay and bisexual men over 20-years-old. Phone Darryl on 078794 265 814 or 0151 227 1931.

Teesside

Teessides Out: social group for gay and bisexual men aged over 20. Every Thursday 7-9pm. For more info phone Stephen on 01642 804 400 or 07776 210 882.

Wolverhampton

Changes (trans support group)

Telephone:	Lisa on 07864 240 222 or Maria on 07542 450 163
Address:	Terrence Higgins Trust, 242-244 Bond House, Bond Street, Wolverhampton WV2 4AS
Email:	lisanmaria@hotmail.co.uk
Website:	http://lmkchanges.webs.com/index.html

Changes - befriending and supporting the trans community, those questionning their gender or their sexuality. This group meets in the strictest of confidence on a Friday every 2 weeks.

All people are welcome, of all ages, who are worried or anxious about any trans issues.

You may be feeling lonely or isolated, you may need information on coming out or telling your family & friends, or advice about safer sex. Or maybe, you just want to come along for a chat have a cup of coffee, and meet other trans people. If this is you feel free to pop along, or for further information, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Your family and friends are also welcome.