Join the LGBTQ+ Society!

They aim to have a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community at the University of Sunderland, where you can go and talk, meet other students and have fun. They work closely with the Students Union, the University and the local community to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues. 

COVID-19 has impacted how they run but they are working closely with the SU to bring you lots of opportunities to connect with our society in the term ahead.

Find out about the LGBTQ+ student officer on the Student Union website: https://www.sunderlandsu.co.uk/your-voice/lgbtqofficer 

LGBTQ+ is used as an umbrella term here but we are fully aware that it is not one homogenous group but in fact, everyone is different and can be affected depending on other factors such as age, ethnicity, religion, cultural background, and many more converging identities.

Visit Mindout to access a range of support: https://mindout.org.uk/ 

Visit Humankind Charity who provide friendly and practical support: LGBT+ North East – Humankind (humankindcharity.org.uk)

Those of us who do identify as LGBTQ+ tend to have increased exposure to:
•Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
•Stigma and Discrimination
•Difficult experiences of coming out
•Social isolation and rejection

This can, unfortunately, lead to problems such as;
• low self-esteem
• depression
• anxiety, including social anxiety
• eating problems
• misusing drugs and alcohol
• self-harm
• suicidal feelings.

If you are experiencing any of the above you can submit a referral form to our free and confidential service. You will be able to have a chat with a member of the Wellbeing team so they can find out more about your current situation and advise you on the next steps you could take. This might include referring you to see a Counsellor, a Wellbeing Advisor, or other Services.

If you ever experience or witness sexual violence, aggression, hate crime or harassment – the University’s support services are here for you and will always listen seriously and impartially to your concerns. We can offer you guidance on further support and options so you can progress your report including both via the Police and/or the University.

Telling someone about your concerns can be a first step to getting the right information and support. We will support you even if you don’t want to progress any concern formally either with the University or the Police. If you wish to remain anonymous you can do so using the on-line reporting tool.

Make a report here

You can also report an incident or a concern directly to:
University Security: 0191 515 2028 (including out of normal hours)
The Wellbeing Team 0191 515 2933 / wellbeing@sunderland.ac.uk
The Student’s Union 0191 515 3030 / ussu@sunderland.ac.uk
For UofS in London 0207 531 7343 / londonhealth@sunderland.ac.uk
You can report an incident or a concern in person, directly to a University Safeguarding Officer
http://services.sunderland.ac.uk/hr/safety/safeguarding/safeguardingcontacts/

Our staff will listen to your concerns and connect you with the support and guidance you need. We will always treat your concerns in confidence. We will discuss with you if we need to share information with others. Please see our confidentiality policy for more information.

-Be a listener.
-Be open-minded.
-Be willing to talk.
-Don't assume that all your friends and co-workers are straight. Someone close to you could be looking for support in their coming-out process. Not making assumptions will give them the space they need.
-If it is safe to do so and you feel comfortable, stand up to those who make homophobic jokes. Let them know that it’s hurtful to others and that it’s not OK.
-If you want to, use and display your pronouns on emails and social media bios
-Confront your own prejudices and bias, even if it is uncomfortable to do so.
-Believe that all people, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation, should be treated with dignity and respect.

If you're struggling to cope right now, contact Samaritans:
call 116 123 (open 24 hours, every day)
email jo@samaritans.org

Visit Humankind Charity who provide friendly and practical support: LGBT+ North East – Humankind (humankindcharity.org.uk)

Visit Mindout to access a range of support: https://mindout.org.uk/ 

StudentSpace is here to support you with Mermaids
providing phone and webchat support from 9am - 9pm Mon-Friday - Helpline: 0808 8010 424

As well as offering live chat support, transgender, including nonbinary and gender-diverse students aged between 18 – 25 can join Mermaids private and secure community forum. It’s a safe space for you to ask questions, talk about how you’re getting on, and share experiences with others. 

Stonewall regional LGBTQ+ Support Groups online directory
Stonewall BAME LGBTQ+ support groups
Religious LGBTQ+ Faith Groups
Side by Side – Mind’s Online Community
Searchable directory of LGBTQ+ Voluntary and Community organisations
Mind – LGBTQ+ Mental Health Useful Contacts
GALOP Anti-violence charity for LGBTQ+ people who have experienced sexual assault, abuse or violence
MindLine Trans+ - helpline for people who identify as trans, agender, gender fluid, non-binary.
LGBT+ North East

Support for Survivors
Staying safe online when accessing LGBT+ domestic abuse support
Emergency accommodation and housing support for LGBT+ Survivors of domestic abuse
Domestic abuse and the LGBT+ communities

Here you'll find the University's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion page which features case studies, FAQ's and reports.

Victims First ensures each individual has specific, tailored support individual to them and their needs. Within their team they have two specialist LGBTQ+ Independent Sexual Violence Advisors. Their support can be provided over the phone, by text, email, or face to face. It is also available to everyone meaning men, women, LGBTQ+ and non binary people of any age including children can access support.

https://victimsfirstnorthumbria.org.uk/support-for-sexual-violence/