A new weekly meeting offering help to the LGBTQ+ community has launched in Salford.
Cup Full Of Pride is a new social club for LGBTQ+ community taking place every Thursday morning at Emmanuel’s community centre.
It has a “no shame just ASK’ policy on sexual health. The club been established to help and support those who feel alone, struggling with food poverty or social isolation.
Megan Gait, centre coordinator of Emmanuel Community Centre, said: “There’s no social clubs in Salford available for people of LGBTQ+ community to go and feel comfortable and welcome as themselves so we want to be this place.”
Cup Full of Pride is not only for LGBTQ+ communities; the group is also for supporters, friends, family and everyone is questioning.
Pete Simms, founder of Cup Full Of Pride, said: “Sometimes you need to just be able to go. I want to talk about a problem.
“I feel when you come and see us, we give you a cup of tea. We give you a slice of cake. And we’ll listen.”
Pete collaborates with wellbeing and mental health teams to signpost and support people in different aspects of need, as well as sexual health doctors, food bank and wellbeing organisations.
“What’s nicer than coming in having a cup of tea and knowing you can take away the components you need”, said Pete.
He says that students and locals alike are welcome at the weekly meeting.
“Students do not tend to look after themselves in terms of food. And nutrition is linked to mental health.
“I don’t want any LGBTQ+ person to be struggling with their mental health because they can’t feed themselves.”