Throughout April forum+ has been marking Stress Awareness Month.
The theme for 2024 is Little By Little highlighting how even the smallest actions and steps can make big changes.
Research shows that sadly LGBT+ people are more likely to experience poor mental health or a mental illness than those who are not LGBT+.
Loneliness can greatly impact mental health and LGBT+ people are especially vulnerable to being socially isolated. LGBT+ people are more likely to be single, live alone and have lower levels of contact with relatives than their heterosexual peers.
People who are more socially connected in their community are happier, healthier and live longer, with fewer mental health problems than people who are less well connected.
At forum+, we work to reduce loneliness and social isolation within our local LGBT+ community by providing safe and welcoming social spaces for LGBT+ people to come together and connect.
Exercise and being outside in nature is great for our wellbeing. Being physically active has been proven to play a key role in lowering and managing stress levels.
At forum+ we love engaging outdoors and there is so much to enjoy across Camden and Islington. Regular opportunities for exercise with forum+ are our kayaking sessions at the wonderful Pirate Castle in Camden, our well-being walks and our exploring local nature trails and reserves.
Eating healthily and knowing how to cook nutritious meals is a key way to combat stress. forum+ is very proud to join our friends at St Luke’s Community Centre for Cooking with Pride.
The cookery event is a warm, welcoming and inclusive social group where LGBT+ people and their friends join together to learn recipes and enjoy a delicious meal. We have fantastic fun in the kitchen and it is amazing to have the opportunity to learn how to cook low-budget, nutritious meals.
Connection and community are at the heart of everything we do at forum+ and Stress Awareness Month reminds us of the transformative power of reaching out and joining with others. All forum+ social support groups are free to access and it is our mission to support LGBT+ people to feel visible and confident and that they have a stake in their local community.
If you would like to connect with forum+ and for updated information on our upcoming events please email info@forumplus.org.uk, follow forum+ social media @forumplus and visit our website www.forumplus.org.uk
- Tessa Havers-Strong is the director of forum+
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here