Newsletter

Late Summer 2009

Dear Friends,
The last couple of months have been an exciting time for me personally as I have got to grips with my new role. I thought it might be nice to let you know about some of the activities that I have been involved with over the last month.

One of the best things is working with the groups running from our centre in Inverness. As many of you will be aware, we have four strong groups here: the Men’s Group; the Women’s Group; the ‘T’ – Group for transgendered individuals and the Pink Castle Philosophy Club where members can stretch their minds in an atmosphere of peace and fun! If anybody is interested in attending any of these groups – and of course you’d be very welcome – then drop us a line or simply turn up!

In addition to the groups run from Inverness we also have LGBT Caithness which I was very pleased to visit in July and plan to visit again on 13th August. This group is currently based in Thurso and offers a ‘safe’ space fordiscussion of issues, experiences and peer support.

We have also been developing outreach in locations around Inverness and at the Gayness Event in town. This work has been a genuine eye-opener [!] but has offered me the opportunity to take our services out of the office and reach those who otherwise wouldn’t have the benefit of the safer-sex materials and information we are able to provide. HIV in the UK is still on the increase. Something that I try to remind people is that you can access free condoms and lubrication by post – just give us a bell!

The final thing to say is that we have had a really encouraging response to our appeal for volunteers but we can always use more help. In return for your time we provide the training and support you require to meet the needs of our service users while also developing your skills – and working for THT is brilliant, …but I guess you’d expect us to say that!


Complementary Therapy

At Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland, it is our aim to provide our service users with an holistic sexual health service. This includes complementary care.

A group of qualified practitioners are offering acupuncture, dietary advice, massage, metamorphic technique, reflexology and osteopathy.

Sessions are available every day of the week. Sessions last up to one hour. For each session a donation of £10 is welcomed. Cancellations need to be notified 24 hours in advance.

For more information telephone Alex on 01463 711585.

Counselling

We also offer a counselling service. Our team of counsellors can help you to reflect upon your life; help you to consider alternative ways of doing things and support you in making the changes that you feel you need to make.

Our counsellors are trained, experienced and are flexible in being able to apply a range of models to suit the needs of our clients. This is a fully confidential service and self referrals are welcome, so if you are interested in having a consultation please get in touch with us here at the Inverness office.

Contact Alex on 01483 711 585 for more details.

‘T’-Group

For those who identify as transgender — in all its variety. Meetings held in Inverness.

The ‘T’-Group generally meets every second Wednesday of the month, next group meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 12th August @ Inverness THT

For more information telephone Alex on 01463 711585.

LGBT Caithness Group

All LGBT people welcome to join us at this open event held in Thurso. Meet new people and make new friends at the next meeting on Thursday 13th August, 6:30pm - 8:30pm.


Contact Alex on 01463 711 585 for more information.

Men’s Group
For gay men, bisexual men and queer men, meetings held monthly — first Wednesday of the month. Next meeting 5th August, 7—9pm @ Inverness THT

Contact Alex on 01463 711 585 for more information.

Chai and a Chat
For lesbians, bisexual women and queer women, meetings held fortnightly — every first and third Tuesday. August meetings 4th and 18th 7 — 9pm @ Inverness THT

Pink Castle Philosophy Club
Two dates for August!

Thursday 20th August 7—9pm at THT office in Inverness:

‘A life beyond sex — a follow up to the walk in Cawdor’

Followed by a nightcap at the Castle Tavern, Inverness. And…,

Sunday 30th August 3pm at the Old Station, Strathpeffer

‘Walk ‘n’ Talk’

Please join Morgan and friends at 2pm for a bite to eat at the Station Café. For more information call Morgan: 07745 930 383 or 01463 751 258 or morgan@tramstop.org