21.11.24
At St Catharine's
Health and Wellbeing Team
The Health and Wellbeing 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 wellbeing 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 students to sources of support if this is outside their area of expertise. Here are some of the ways the 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
- Providing an alternate pathway to support alongside the tutorial system
- A safe space to discuss issues relating to identity, belonging and your place in the world
- Advice and guidance around navigating physical health needs and liaising with medical professionals
LGBTQ+ Liberation Officers
Both the JCR and MCR elect LGBT+ Liberation Officers who you can contact if you have any questions or concerns relating to being a LGBTQ+ student. They will also be well placed to signpost you on where to go for further support if that is appropriate. Contact information and more details about the roles can be found on the JCR website for undergraduates and the MCR website for postgraduates.
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, who is available to discuss any LGBTQ+ issues that St Catharine’s members may encounter and is also responsible for convening the Care+ Group.
LGBTQ+ Care+ Group
The Care+ Group is a college-based forum dedicated to discussing issues that affect LGBTQ+ members of the St Catharine’s community. The Care+ Group can recommend further investigation and/or action to the College’s various committees (or the EDI working group) to ensure any issues are resolved as effectively as possible. Find out more about the group and who to contact.
At the University of Cambridge
CUSU LGBT+
https://www.lgbt.cusu.cam.ac.uk/
CUSU LGBT+ is the University Students’ Union Campaign for LGBT+ students at Cambridge. They seek to represent and support all students who identify as LGBT+. They also run a range of social events, including regular coffee meets, speakers events and pub crawls and can provide support and advocacy on any issue a student may be having.
CUSU LGBT+ has a dedicated Welfare Officer who is available to support students about things like questioning your orientation or gender, coming out, sexual health, or anything else. It doesn’t have to be ‘really important’ and you don’t need to identify as LGBT+ in order to arrange a time to speak with the LGBT+ Welfare Officer.
FUSE
https://www.lgbt.cusu.cam.ac.uk/fuse/
FUSE is a society which caters to the queer students of colour at the University of Cambridge. The society prides itself on being a place of community, inclusion and discussion for queer people of colour.
Community organisations in Cambridge (not affiliated to the University)
The Kite Trust
The Kite Trust offers support for LBGTQ+ 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
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–Thurs 10am–8.30pm; Fri10am–4.30pm)
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. Via the website you can also access the webchat, and access information via the chatbot.
LGBT Foundation
https://lgbt.foundation/who-were-here-for
Information, Support and Advice Line: 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.
Stonewall
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/help-and-advice
Stonewall are a UK based organisation advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and support. They also have an Information Service, which you could contact on info@stonewall.org.uk.
