The Hampshire Queer Solidarity Centre

The Hampshire Queer Solidarity centre is our brand new project to provide a safe space for local LGBTQ+ people, allies and anyone who feels in need of community. 

DROP IN SESSIONS:

Every 2nd Sunday of the month we provide 2 hour drop in support sessions for those looking for regular community connection. Here we have light snacks, arts and craft resources, support resources, ability to gain support from a volunteer and free gender affirming clothes available. 

MAIN SESSIONS: 

Every 4th Sunday of the month we provide our main sessions which include the regular support, resources and free homemade food along with activist projects and workshops, talks and events involving local activist causes, groups and queer arts in the area. For information on the sessions please check our social media.

We do not aim to provide any form of counselling, therapy or official emotional support, but instead believe in the importance of community in supporting the local marginalised people of all ages in their struggles. 

The queer centre started as an idea to help support the local trans and queer community. Over time, more and more volunteers have put in increasing effort to make this idea come to life.

The centre is entirely volunteer run, allowing us to come together as a community, helping to fight the feeling of isolation that is unfortunately common when living as a queer person.

The HQSC will first and foremost provide a safe and inclusive space for all who need it. Accessibility is central to our work and so the building is entirely wheelchair accessible, and a quiet space with sensory items will be provided.

Various activities will be hosted in the centre, as well as free community buffet style meals for all who visit. We will also offer various other activities, such as zines and books, thanks in part to our collaboration with The Arc, who have kindly provided us with this space, opportunities to get involved in LGBTQ+ activism through art, and free gender affirming clothes in our clothes swap area.

Safeguarding:

We fully recognise the importance of safeguarding in any community space working with vulnerable people, especially one with a mix of age groups. For this reason, we have full safeguarding procedures and policies in place, as well as a brief training essential for all of our volunteers. Both the centre manager and our welfare lead have full enhanced DBS checks and at least one of them will always be present during opening hours. Full safeguarding training has also been provided officially to these leads to ensure no issue is left unaddressed and safety remains our number one priority.

Our policies regarding this are on our resources page.