DIVA speaks to Steph about how Islington Mind’s LGBTQIA project has provided her with invaluable support
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY GETTY IMAGES
Outcome is a welcoming LGBTQIA+ drop-in space for mental health support for anyone in London. If you would like to find out more you can email outcome@islingtonmind.org.uk or visit their website https://www.islingtonmind.org.uk/our-services/outcome/
When Steph was younger, she learned pretty quickly that making other people laugh protected her. Despite living in an abusive household and being attacked in public, laughter became an armour to keep her safe. But inside, Steph was hurting, and at the time it felt like there was no way to access support.
Having been a volunteer at London Friend for six years, she heard of a project called Outcome, run by Islington Mind. Based in North London, Outcome provides a safe space for LGBTQIA+ people to get support with their mental health, make friends, and live authentically. After attending a few drop-ins at Outcome, Steph, a trans woman, found a place where she could be herself.
“When I came here my confidence was really bad,” she tells me. “I feel that Outcome has been a lifesaver for me because I was a mess when I came here. I used to shout, scream, cry, slam the door like something out of EastEnders.”
Steph has been coming to Outcome since before the COVID-19 pandemic, and has found a comforting ear in the dedicated team that provides support. “I think that it’s really important that people in the LGBTQIA+ umbrella find this place a safe place to be, where they can be themselves.”
With a number of in-person and online groups occurring every Tuesday and Wednesday (FFFTL-Project supporting people seeking asylum, and refugees) Steph has been able to access a number of resources. As part of the service, Steph has also been able to attend a number of exciting events, and she gushes about the beautiful light show at Kew Gardens she saw last year.
“Everybody’s included. Nobody’s forgotten and there are different things to do here,” she says before listing off the impressive number of activities available at Outcome. From a singing group to a women’s group, there is something for every LGBTQIA+ person to attend.
It’s not only the events and activities which help protect and support LGBTQIA+ people at Outcome. Alongside access to signposting, referrals, and short-term case work, everyone can access a hearty meal for just £3 a day – cooked by one of the Outcome members. Steph gives me a wink later in the day when a mammoth portion of delicious curry is placed in front of me.
It can be daunting or nerve-wracking to attend a service like Outcome. What advice would Steph give to other people in her position?
“I think what I would say is try it first,” she explains. “Try more than once because you might see things differently the second time.”
You can find out more about Outcome now: https://www.islingtonmind.org.uk/our-services/outcome/
DIVA magazine celebrates 31 years in print in 2025. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
