At times, living life as a LGBTQ+ person can seem like the most wonderful thing. A diverse community where we can find acceptance, to support each other, to know that others understand who we are. However, sometimes life can throw challenges our way. Some of these are unique to our diverse community. At these times it can be helpful to have the support from someone who understands the challenges.
Change Grow Live (CGL) provides tailored drug and alcohol support to adults in Brighton & Hove who identify as LGBTQ+. We offer 1-to-1 support from recovery coordinators and a variety of online and face-to-face groups to help motivate and support people to address substance misuse, whether that be abstinence or reduction.
We have well established links with a wide range of LGBTQ+ services and support networks in the city. In recent years we have had the emergence of chemsex and in response to this we have created effective connection with other agencies ensuring people accessing the service get the holistic support they need.
A number of people accessing support are living with HIV and many have been supported to attend HIV services like Lunch Positive, and other services in the community. Some of whom have gone on to become volunteers themselves.
We have discovered that a number of individuals from the trans community struggle to access drug and alcohol services due to various factors. As a result of this finding we have attempted to rectify this by engaging with other organisations and subsequently a significant amount of our clients now identify as part of the TNBI community.
We provide a community detox alcohol programme, a prescribing service, needle exchange and have specialist mental health nurses. We support you whether you want to stop, reduce or simply use more safely. We also provide a Family & Carers Service (FACT) for concerned others, who may benefit from support around the substance use of a partner, friend or loved one.
From people’s first contact with us, we hope to provide a space to explore the challenges faced, and with the understanding from an LGBTQ+ perspective.
Of course, a dedicated LGBTQ+ team is not always required from someone needing help. However, we hope by offering a tailored programme of support, people who have previously been reluctant to ask for help can feel they have one less barrier to overcome.
To self-refer or refer someone else is quick and easy by using our online form or you can contact us by phone (01273 731900), Monday to Friday, 9 – 5pm and until 7pm on Thursdays. Alternatively register in person at our office at Richmond House, Richmond Road, Brighton BN2 3RL
Words by Gary Smith, LGBTQ+ Worker
