During the financial year, Be/Here CIC continued to provide specialist mental health and wellbeing support for LGBTQIA+ people, primarily across Greater Manchester and online across the UK. Our main activities included person-centred and trauma-informed therapy, free mental health skills workshops, peer support groups, community outreach, wellbeing events, and specialist LGBTQIA+ inclusion training for organisations and professionals. Our support is designed and delivered with an understanding of the specific barriers LGBTQIA+ people can experience when accessing mainstream mental health services, including discrimination, minority stress, isolation, fear of judgement and a lack of culturally informed support. We provided affordable therapy through a sliding-scale model, helping people access specialist support at a cost that reflected their circumstances. Income generated through therapy, training, consultancy, merchandise sales and funded projects was reinvested into the organisation and used to support the delivery of free workshops, groups and community-based activities. Our free mental health skills sessions focused on practical topics such as emotional regulation, boundaries, resilience, burnout, mindfulness, identity, relationships and managing difficult emotions. These activities helped community members develop coping skills, increase their confidence, reduce isolation and access support earlier, before reaching crisis point. We also created safe and affirming opportunities for LGBTQIA+ people, including trans and non-binary people, to connect with others who shared similar experiences. These groups and events provided a sense of belonging, reduced loneliness and enabled participants to discuss mental health and identity without having to explain or defend who they were. Alongside direct support, Be/Here worked with local community organisations, charities, statutory services and LGBTQIA+ groups to improve referral pathways, share information and increase awareness of available support. We also attended community events and Pride activities, where we provided informal mental health conversations, signposting and accessible information. Our training and consultancy work supported organisations to improve LGBTQIA+ inclusion, psychological safety and trauma-informed practice. This helped extend our community benefit beyond the people accessing our services directly by encouraging safer, more inclusive workplaces and services. All surpluses were retained within the company and used to further Be/Here’s community purpose. No profits were distributed to members. Our activities benefited the community by improving access to specialist mental health support, reducing isolation, increasing mental health knowledge and helping LGBTQIA+ people feel safer, more understood and better able to manage their wellbeing.

Be/Here CIC’s stakeholders include LGBTQIA+ people who access our therapy, workshops, support groups and community activities; therapists, facilitators, directors and volunteers; partner organisations; local community groups; funders; referral partners; and organisations that access our training and consultancy services. Stakeholder consultation took place throughout the financial year in a range of accessible and informal ways. We gathered feedback through conversations with therapy clients, workshop participants and group attendees, as well as through registration forms, follow-up feedback, emails, social media engagement and discussions at community events. Individuals were able to provide feedback anonymously where appropriate. We also consulted with therapists, facilitators and directors through regular meetings and discussions about service delivery, safeguarding, accessibility, emerging needs and the experiences of people using our services. Partner organisations and local LGBTQIA+ groups were consulted through planning meetings, networking events, steering groups and collaborative community activities. Feedback showed that stakeholders valued support delivered by people with lived and professional experience of the LGBTQIA+ community. Participants also highlighted the importance of affordable therapy, free mental health support, flexible online access, safe spaces and practical workshops focused on everyday emotional wellbeing. In response to feedback, Be/Here: Continued to offer affordable therapy through a sliding-scale pricing model. Maintained free mental health skills workshops and community support spaces. Developed sessions around subjects requested by the community, including emotional regulation, boundaries, burnout, identity, minority stress, relationships and queer joy. Continued to offer online activities to reduce barriers relating to location, mobility, anxiety, caring responsibilities and transport. Strengthened signposting and referral relationships with other community and support organisations. Reviewed the accessibility, language and presentation of our services and promotional materials. Used feedback from therapists and participants to improve session structure, group safety and the clarity of boundaries and safeguarding information. Increased outreach at local community events to reach people who may not otherwise access formal mental health services. The company will continue to involve stakeholders in the development of its services and use their feedback to ensure that its activities remain relevant, accessible and responsive to the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration