Free LGBTQ+ counselling and mental health services in Fife: New 15 week therapy available

The Our Minds Matter backed programme is to help young people navigate their feelings. Picture – supplied

Free weekly therapy and counselling services are being offered for young LGBTQ+ people in Fife.

Thanks to funding via Fife Council via Our Mind Matters, The Hive Headspace will offer everything from 1-2-1 person centred therapy to cognitive behavioural therapy.

With up to 15 weeks’ worth of free therapy available, the sessions can take place at the The Hive in Kirkcaldy, at a location that works for the young person, or via zoom. Places are being allocated now.

Free counselling available in Fife for 12-18 year olds. Picture – supplied

Project lead Lindsey Williamson said: “We want to make sure these free counselling sessions are available to as many young people as need it. Their location, or their ability to get to The Hive shouldn’t be a factor in ruling them out … we can definitely make it work for them.”

The Hive is run by Love and Harmony, it’s the UK’s largest LGBT+ community hub. It offers a safe space to people of all ages, and is involved in a huge range of community projects and activities including support groups, a food bank and clothing bank, desk to work from, and new for this winter, a warm space, with free soup and stovies, for people who need it, regardless of their age or income.

Therapy sessions

The funding from Fife Council’s Health and Wellbeing department for The Hive Headspace will make a huge difference to young people questioning their sexuality or gender, said Lindsey.

The Hive Headspace can offer counselling online or in person. Picture – supplied

“We are there to support the young people themselves, or their families who may be unsure of how to navigate their way through. We want to give the young people counselling and tools to cope, a legacy to last them as they get older, and an insight into other services we offer at other stages in their lives.

“We know the LGBTQ+ community can be reluctant to access mainstream services, and that there is often a huge waiting list for counselling, so we are delighted to be able to offer these free spaces, starting very soon, to help.

“We need the young people, or adults supporting them, to refer them to our services to sign up for counselling sessions.”

As well as the counselling itself, The Hive hopes to educate allies, but also young people about inclusivity and the journey everyone is on.

The service is safe, friendly and affirmative, and is a genuine inclusive space for all.

IF you know of a young LGBTQ+ person in Fife who may benefit from counselling, follow them on Facebook or visit www.thehivefife.org.uk

To enquire or book a session contact: [email protected]