The University Medical Group is a practice that supports the health and wellbeing of patients from the LGBTQ+ community and we are currently working towards the LGBT Foundation’s Pride in Practice Award. Our staff are very aware of the importance of providing safe, fair and inclusive healthcare for this group of patients and we have a team of clinicians and admin staff with a special interest in this. Please contact us if you would like to pass on any feedback after using our services or if you have any questions.
LGBTQ+
Reading Based Organisations
Please be aware that we are no longer able to accept Shared Care Prescribing for Gender Affirming Hormones with Gender GP. This is due to concerns about the quality and safety of the care provided by this service. This will not affect patients who have existing Shared Care Agreements in place. As it can be overwhelming to select a private provider whilst on an NHS waiting list the following are resources to help guide decision making: Specialist UK gender clinics - Gender Construction Kit (genderkit.org.uk), Choosing a gender service – TransActual. We continue to accept Shared Care Prescribing with other private UK based clinics if recommendations are safe and in line with NHS service recommendations. If you have any queries regarding this please contact Michaela Pitt (m.pitt2@nhs.net).
The Florey Unit is a local NHS clinic which will provide you with accurate information, confidential care and support for all aspects of your sexual health.
Sexual Health - Florey Clinic and Contraceptive Services
LGBT+ groups and support in Reading
Some Information and organisations listed below are taken from Visit Reading’s LGBTQ+ Listings: https://www.visit-reading.com/ideas-and-inspiration/lgbtq
Reading Pride runs the Love Unites festival which takes place on the first weekend after the August bank holiday (so typically on the first Saturday in September) in Kings Meadow, Reading. Free to enter, the annual parade and festival includes a full line up, as well as food and drink and a family area. https://readingpride.co.uk/
The Thames Valley Gay Chorus (TVGC) is a group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from around the Thames Valley who enjoy singing. They are based in Reading but perform all around the area. https://thamesvalleygaychorus.org.uk/
Thames Valley Positive Support has worked hard to make a significant difference to people living with HIV across Berkshire. TVPS now stands proudly as the only HIV charity in Berkshire. Their work spans prevention, testing and post-diagnosis support. https://www.tvps.org.uk/
Support U is a LGBT+ wellbeing centre, which operates from a temporary pop-up location in Minster Street, in Reading town centre. Face to face sessions are by appointment only, so you should contact a caseworker before visiting them. https://www.supportu.org.uk/
LGBT+ Society is a society run by, and for, LGBT+ students at the University of Reading. An inclusive group, they welcome anyone who identifies as a sexual and/or gender minority, and they welcome allies.
Club F.O.D is a Reading-based charity which began in 2019 and is dedicated to providing safe and comfortable spaces in club, bar and café environments for all members of the LGBT+ spectrum. Regular club nights are held in The Blagrave Arms. Berkshire Club FOD - Reducing Social Isolation in the local LGBTQ+ Community: https://clubfod.org.uk/club_fod_berkshire/
MyUmbrella is a project run by Reading Pride to raise awareness of the lesser-known identities across the sexuality, gender and romantic spectrums, collectively known as LGBT+. https://www.myumbrella.org.uk/
Reading Students Union: a society run by and for LGBT+ students. Activities and Societies | Reading Students' Union (readingsu.co.uk)
R-Trans: a social group covering Reading, Berkshire and the surrounding areas for those who seek peer support and friendship through transitioning.
https://www.transunite.co.uk/group/r-trans/
LGBT+ support and clubs for young people in Reading
No5 Young People is a Reading-based charity providing confidential listening to support children and young people and those around them. Its free counselling service supports those aged between 11-25 who are living, working or studying in Reading and the RG postcode area. https://no5.org.uk/
ReachOUT is a Youth Club in Reading for young people aged 13-18 who are LGBTQ. The club is held every Wednesday, in a town-centre location, from 6.45 - 8.45pm, and provides a safe space for young people to come along, participate in fun activities and events, and meet other young people in a similar situation to themselves. https://brighterfuturesforchildren.org/young-peoples-zone/reachout/
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Berkshire Sports Groups: https://pridesports.org.uk/category/city/berkshire/
LGBT+ Reading and Berkshire Forum - Independent group designed for everyone to post and promote issues, information and events regarding LGBT+ in Reading & Berkshire: https://www.facebook.com/groups/283774361993117/
Support Groups
These organisations offer mental health advice, support and services, including helplines, for LGBT people.
The trust supports young LGBT people, between 16 and 25 years old. They can help with finding specialist LGBT mental health services.
The organisation works with the trans community, especially young people, and those who affect trans lives.
Imaan is a support group for LGBT Muslims, providing a safe space to share experiences, factsheets and links to relevant services.
The consortium develops and supports LGBT groups and projects around the country. Use the site's directory to find local mental health services.
London Friend aims to improve the health and mental wellbeing of LGBT people in and around London.
Get information about mental health support for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning.
Pink Therapy has an online directory of therapists who work with LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning), and gender- and sexual-diversity (GSD) clients.
Find LGBT mental health services near you using Stonewall's "What's in my area?" search box.
A comprehensive resource for people in the UK searching for support in the transgender community.
A group for trans people at London Friend.
A comprehensive directory of non-commercial groups and organisations supporting or assisting trans and gender diverse individuals, their families and friends across the UK.