<div class="fr-view"><p>For many of us in the LGBTQIA+ community, loneliness is an all too familiar acquaintance.</p>
<p>When the clocks go back, the evenings stretch out, the weather turns, and we spend less time out and about, and more time at home alone with our thoughts. We scroll through social media and see everyone with their loved ones. Everywhere you look, there are adverts and films filled with big, happy families and perfect couples. If you’re single or have a complicated relationship with your family, experiences like this can really drive that pain home.</p>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">A </span><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-government-research-identifies-clear-links-between-loneliness-and-mental-health-distress#:~:text=People%20with%20a%20disability%20or,compared%20with%20the%20wealthiest%20quintile" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Government </a>paper in 2022 found that lesbian, gay and bisexual people were 1.4–2.5 times more likely to experience loneliness. In 2022, the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7324a1.htm?s_cid=mm7324a1_w" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CDC</a> found that around 56–63% of trans people were experiencing loneliness.</p>
<p>With that in mind, we asked fellow LGBTQIA+ students to share a few words about their own experiences of loneliness and any advice they have for others. Here’s what they had to say.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“Fill your day with something you love!”</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“If you have the time, consider volunteering for a cause close to your heart”</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“When I feel lonely I withdraw even more, and I don&#8217;t think it&#8217;s just me who does this. It becomes a cycle until I get to the point where I&#8217;m not speaking to anyone who isn&#8217;t my partner or my family. When I get like this I try and look for new opportunities to connect with people, even if I&#8217;m not ready to pursue them, it helps to know these opportunities are there when I&#8217;m ready. I also try and be friendly to people who I meet in everyday life like cashiers, bus drivers and people who want to say hello to my dog. I am visibly trans and these interactions remind me that strangers don&#8217;t dislike me based on how I look. I think I&#8217;m afraid of getting social interaction wrong: again, something I&#8217;m sure lots of people who are queer and neurodiverse face.”</p>
<p><strong>How can you help people experiencing loneliness?</strong></p>
<p>For those in situations where you are able to help others, reach out to friends and family, volunteer time with charities and support lines, and consider donating to causes that matter to you.</p>
<p><strong>If you find yourself experiencing loneliness</strong></p>
<p>The Pride Committee and its groups are a safe place for you to reach out for a chat or guidance on where to find support.</p>
<p>Below are charitable organisations and crisis support across the four nations that range from mental health support to ways you can reach out to other LGBTQIA+ persons. At the end are some important crisis websites for those struggling with their mental health.</p>
<p><strong>Crisis</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://giveusashout.org/get-involved/">Shout</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.samaritans.org">Samaritans</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.crisis.org.uk/ending-homelessness/about-homelessness/about-lgbtqplus-homelessness/">Crisis</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.galop.org.uk">Galop</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/">Mind</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Ireland</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/UnionStreetBelfast">Union Street Belfast</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Kremlin.Belfast">Kremlin Belfast</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/themaverickbelfast/">The Maverick Belfast</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.paperxclips.com">Paperxclips</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>England/United Kingdom</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://lgbt.foundation">LGBT Foundation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.stonewall.org.uk">Stonewall</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.fightingwithpride.org.uk">Fighting With Pride</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bentbarsproject.org">Bent Bars Project</a></li>
<li><a href="https://londonfriend.org.uk/mental-health/">London Friend</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Scotland</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.lgbthealth.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">LGBT Health</a></li>
<li><a href="https://lgbtyouth.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">LGBT Youth Scotland</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Wales</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.umbrellacymru.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">UmbrellaCymru</a></li>
<li><a href="https://transaid.cymru" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trans Aid Cymru</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Written by Oskar and Kevin from the Pride Committee</p>
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