What We Do
We offer support to LGBTQIA+ people aged 18-25 in the Leeds area.
On this page:
Weekly Social Group
Key information:
- Timing: 1 hour 30 minutes, weekly on Monday evenings
- Location: accessible and confidential venue in Leeds City Centre
- Open to: LGBTQIA+ people, aged between 18 – 25
We sometimes invite external facilitators to run specific sessions, for example creative writing workshops, queer history tours, self-confidence and wellbeing workshops.
We regularly take group members on trips, such as pride events, ComicCon, cinema trips, bowling, theatre, history tours, or meals out.
We love to explore creativity, whether that’s experimenting with arts and crafts independently, or more focused group projects such as making placards and signs for events.
What can I expect when I attend the group?
The group sessions are relaxed, informal and fun.
We have a ‘check in’ at the start of each weekly session where people can choose to share something about their week without being interrupted. This can be anything from telling us about a TV show or film, to sharing personal updates about home, relationships, work or studies. There is never any pressure to speak at this check in.
After the check-in, there will be plenty of crafts, games and things to do, or just have a hot or soft drink, snacks and chat. There may be sessions that involve activities pre-planned by the staff, often based around ideas shared by the group.
We have recently introduced a ‘chill and craft’ space, where people can sit in a quieter area aside from the main group space, chat and do arts and crafts, or just sit in a smaller group with a volunteer or member of staff.
Some of our regular members have led sessions to teach the group new skills, or share interests, like crocheting. So if you have any ideas or skills you want to share, please let Katie & Hannah know!
It’s so important for The Alphabet Collective to be a space where people can show up as themselves, and we understand how scary it can be to come to a group and meet new people.
We are a friendly and approachable group and our staff and volunteers will make sure you feel welcomed and included. Please let them know if there is anything they can do to support you.
If you are feeling anxious about attending for the first time, or you are a professional working with someone who is unsure about attending, please reach out.
We can arrange a phone call with you / a professional, or meet up ahead of the group so you can meet a friendly face first!
1-1 Support
We offer one-to-one support sessions for people who feel they would benefit from some additional support outside of the group.
These sessions are usually around 1 hour and can take place over the telephone/video call or in-person in Leeds.
In up to 8 sessions (number of sessions will be decided to meet the needs of the individual) you can work with one of our Youth & Support Workers to gain tools to support your wellbeing.
Our Attendees Said:
60%
of attendees reported that they had gained access to other services through the signposting of the Alphabet Collective.
These services included LGBTQIA+ specific services, counselling services, crisis helplines, housing services and GP services.
all attendees agreed with the statement:
‘being a part of the Alphabet Collective has a positive impact on my overall wellbeing’.
100%
of attendees strongly agreed that:
‘the AC is a safe space to talk about and explore my gender and/or sexual identity’
and
‘I feel I can be my true self at the Alphabet Collective’.
I have mainly been able to improve my coping skills for anxiety, I have also improved various craft skills through the different activities we do – most notably in the writing workshop which was very fun.
60%
of attendees reported that they had ‘learned or improved’ skills through attending the Alphabet Collective. The skills were described by service users as depression and anxiety management, self-confidence and socialising skills.
The majority of service users also agreed that they had learnt new things by attending the AC, and have met new people with whom they share common experience with.
Our attendees also enjoyed our group-sessions, with one attendee’s feedback telling us they enjoyed “Laid back craft groups, I also really enjoyed the LGBT quiz we did this summer, and the LGBT writing workshop”. Other notable mentions were our cinema trips and craft-and-chat sessions!
Meet the Team
Founded by youth and community workers Hannah Poklad and Katie Toulmin, the Alphabet Collective focuses on creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering space specifically for LGBTQIA+ individuals aged 18-25.
