Pride attendees encouraged to look after their mental health

This Belfast Pride Festival, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the mental health and emotional wellbeing support available for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

With the theme of this year’s Belfast Pride Festival being ‘Love Your Mind’ there has never been a more important time to reach out if you need mental health support and the PHA is reminding everyone that the Lifeline service supports people of every age, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexuality and gender identity.

Lifeline is Northern Ireland’s crisis response helpline for people experiencing distress or despair and can be reached on 0808 808 8000. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. Calls to Lifeline are free answered by qualified counsellors.

Fiona Teague, Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Lead at the PHA, said: “The Public Health Agency is proud to support the LGBTQIA+ community and we want to celebrate organisations that work tirelessly to increase visibility, raise awareness of, and support the health and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ people across Northern Ireland.

“Research has shown that members of the LGBTQIA+ community are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and other mental health issues due to discrimination and social isolation. So, this year’s theme ‘Love your Mind’ is incredibly important.”

The PHA also funds organisations such as the Rainbow Project to provide a range of support services, including a confidential counselling service and LGBTQIA+ social support groups.

Fiona continued: “If you are concerned about your mental health or wellbeing, I encourage you to reach out for help and support. Talking to someone is often the first step towards feeling better. It is vital to start the conversation with those around you. You might be hesitant, but talking really does help.”

Lifeline and the HSC LGBTQ+ Staff Forum, and allies from across the HSC, will be taking part in the Pride Parade on Saturday 27 July.

Further information on Lifeline visit www.LifelineHelpine.info and for more on support for those in the LGBTQIA+ community can be found on the PHA website www.MindingYourHead.info