Resources


Our Society

Here at Reading University we want to make sure that as well as enjoying their time with our LGBT+ Society and fitting in with university generally, our members also feel welcome and secure in knowing that there is always some to turn to if they want. Here you will find information on what the welfare team does, the buddy scheme, coffee-hour and safe space, as well as a list of really useful resources and contact information.

What We Do

As you may know, it is the Welfare representative’s job to help with any issues you feel you need advice or guidance with. We can help you with issues regarding relationships, sexual health, mental health, and coming out, as well as any general problems you may be facing, because we all know how scary university can seem. As a society we also ensure that there will be one buddy- trained member of the committee available at all LGBT+ events who will be there incase any issues arise. We also have excellent links with: Counselling Service, Peer-Support, Wellbeing Centre, and the SU as well as various organisations based in Reading. so the very least we can do is point you in the right direction, so don’t hesitate to ask us anything!

Buddy Scheme

We run a Buddy Scheme, which is targeted towards any newcomers to the LGBT+ society. Basically what this means is, if you want to join LGBT+ but you’re nervous about not knowing anybody, send us Welfarians an email at lgbtwelfare@rusu.co.uk requesting a Buddy, and one will meet with you beforehand to make sure you get to the event and introduce you to members. The Buddies are trained volunteers from the LGBT+ society, and are likely to be members of the committee, so you’ll meet somebody who can give you a lot of useful information and will be at many of the events we host. This is completely confidential, so anything discussed between you and your Buddy will not be passed on to anybody else.

Coffee Hour

We also have Coffee Hour, which is running on Mondays and Thursdays 1pm – 2pm in Palmer G02 on campus. This is a safe space and a bit of a getaway from hectic uni life with very friendly people and at least one welfare rep on hand. It’s also a chance for you to meet people and make friends before venturing to one of our socials or events. Most weeks tend to be themed, but casual. For example: Twister or bring and share (food) also coffee, because caffeine is great.


Email Us

lgbtwelfare@rusu.co.uk
If you would prefer to email us, you can use this email to write in about any problems you’re having or ask for advice and we’ll email you right back.



Resources and Contact Information


Reading Specific


Reading University Crisis number:

0300 365 0300

University Peer-support:

peersupport@reading.ac.uk

University Counselling service:

Phone: +44 (0) 118 378 4216

+44 (0) 118 378 4218

Typetalk: 0800 515 152


e-mail: counselling@reading.ac.uk

Royal Berkshire Hospital Department of Sexual Health:

Includes a GUM (genito-Urinary Medicine) and HIV-testing ‘walk-in’ clinic between Monday and Friday: 7am to 7pm.

Address: 21a Craven Rd, Reading, RG1 5LE.

For more information: http://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/wards__departments/s/sexual_health2.aspx

or call the department on 0118 322 7202 during opening hours.

BeYou: Berkshire Lesbian and Gay Information Network:

Helpline: 0118 959 7269, available Tuesday evenings from 7:30pm – 9:30pm. This can be used for advice on sexual health, coming out, relationships and local information.



General


Terrence Higgins Trust:
For information on sex and sexually transmitted infections (with a focus on HIV), go to http://www.tht.org.uk/informationresources/
or call THT Direct on 0808 802 1221 for advice on issues associated with HIV.
Everyone is gay:
Everyone is gay provides support and advice for the LGBT+ community via a blog and youtube channel in which they answer questions that are submitted by people like you and me. Submit a question/watch their videos/read their advice blog, whatever you fancy. Here’s the link:
Freephone Stonewall information line:
08000 50 20 20, this is available Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 5:30pm. For information on gay rights (civil partnerships, hate crime, employment etc.).
Talk to Frank:
       Support for drug (including alcohol) abuse:
Samaritans:
If you need someone to talk to, call this number: 08457 90 90 90
Mind OUT:
lgbtmind.com
Service for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) people with mental health concerns.
Trans* Health:
Magazine covering health and fitness issues.
Bisexual Resource Centre:


Links to Useful PDF Documents


A guide to your legal rights; for lesbian, gay and bisexual people. A follow up to our 2007 "A guide to your rights", featuring much more content and lots of new sections from asylum to safer schools; up-to-date as of July 2011.

Our guide to celebrating faith and sexual orientation for LGB&T people. The aim of this resource is to reassure lesbian, gay bisexual and trans people that whatever your personal beliefs there will be others who can support you.

Our guide to healthier lifestyles, sport and good mental health for LGBT people. Get In! is designed to help you improve your health and wellbeing, find alternatives to the scene and to get active.

We all have mental health, just as we have physical health and that means it’s just as important that we look after it. n this booklet we’ll be sharing some useful tips to help you to look after yourself day-to-day, and when you're not feeling your best.

A celebration of yours and hers - for women who have sex with women. A totally unique guide for lesbian and bisexual women on breast cancer awareness and other breast-related issues.
Our guide to cervical screening for lesbian and bisexual women. This guide tells you everything from when you should be invited for your test, to what to expect, to using your rights and how to make it the best possible experience.


Our guide for gay and bisexual men on what to expect when you go for a sexual health check-up. Packed full of information on HIV and HIV prevention, this guide was created for World Aids Day 2011 and designed to target 16-25 year old gay & bisexual men


This booklet is for gay and bisexual men who have been affected by sexual violence.


Our guide to HIV for gay and bisexual men. Packed full of information on HIV and HIV prevention, this guide was created for World Aids Day 2008 and designed to target 16 to 25 year old gay and bisexual men.


Our inspirational guide for young people. This resource aims to encourage young LGB people to reach their goals and to show sexuality should not get in the way of success in the workplace.


Our wellbeing guide for young people. A resource about the more common mental health problems that you may come across alongside useful information that will be particularly helpful for younger lesbian, gay and bisexual people.










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