This group is an informal meeting for other parents of LGBT children/young people, who are looking for the opportunity to meet other parents and share feelings, thoughts and experiences, while also getting support, information and advice.
We welcome all questions you may have and no subject is taboo. This is a friendly place to discuss your child, without discrimination or judgement. We believe if you are reaching out to us, then you are open to understanding.
We also accept people from the wider family such as Grandparents. We would love it if you are comfortable in your child being LGBT+ and would like to be in on the conversation to help others. Contact us if you would like to know if this is the group for you.
The Family Network meetings take place in a safe and secure location at our wellbeing centre, located at 15 Castle Street in Reading.
Due to numbers, we do ask people to book for the Family Network group – to let us know you’re attending give us a call on 0118 321 9111 or use the contact us form.
Your privacy is of utmost importance. Our support group is based on mutual understanding and respect. We never disclose the details of attendees of our groups, or post any online content without explicit prior permission.
Free tea, coffee and biscuits are available throughout the meeting.
We wish all visitors to feel comfortable in themselves, we would expect our visitors to respect the views of other people within the group at all times.
If you have any questions about the Family Network or any of our groups, please contact us.
Our support groups are completely free. If you wish to donate to the running cost of the event, you’re welcome to make a small donation at one of the donation pots available across the centre.
Our next Events are scheduled FOR:
Due to the effects of COVID-19 and government advice for self-isolation. We have suspended our group sessions for the time being.
We will update this page once this restriction is lifted.
Every Thursday our phone lines will stay open until 8pm. If you're feeling lonely at the moment, please call us and someone will be available to talk about how your feeling and make sure your feeling connected to someone.
Don't feel alone
Also, go online to our chat facility www.supportu.org.uk
COVID-19: The Government last night has advised no unnecessary contact. At Support U, we have decided to close the building until further notice. Please do not attend the office. If you need to contact us we are still available online, through online chat, phone call or a video chat can be arranged. We are here to talk, so keep in touch at 0118 321 9111, if you are feeling alone, please do reach out during this time. Mon-Wed 10-4pm and 10-8pm on a Thurs.
www.supportu.org.uk/contact-us/
Support U is regularly monitoring the situation regarding Covid-19, and we've decided to ensure the wellbeing and safety of our Frontline and Counselling Volunteers and clients by adjusting our working week. To combat the increase in isolation of our clients, we want to provide a late night opening time for our Helpline service. Please see changes below:
As of the Monday 23rd March, our new opening hours for telephone, video chat, online and face to face meetings will be:
Mon-Wed 10-4pm
Thursday 10-8pm
Our group sessions are not affected by these changes.
We are always looking for more volunteers, and especially during this time; if you'd like to volunteer (including remote positions) please go to our website and sign up. www.supportu.org.uk/about-us/volunteer/
Listen to our CEO on BBC Radio Berkshire From 7pm tonight with Michelle talking about our service, what we are doing for the next year and how you can help us.