We’re excited to announce the launch of three new peer groups starting in 2024!

Name: Positive Women’s Peer Support Group (official name TBC by the group)

What is it? This is a group for adult women living with HIV.  It provides a safe space to share experiences of living with HIV /experiences of being a woman and to support and empower each other to live well. We will also invite guest professionals  who can offer practical support around education, employment, financing, housing, health and wellbeing. Children under 5 may attend as we understand childcare can be a barrier to accessing group support.

When and where? It will be held at Sahir in the Sunny Room on the last Monday of each month, 11am-1pm.  First meeting will take place on Monday 29th January 2024.

 

Name: Proud As Knowsley.

What is it? This is a new group for people 18+ who identify as LGBTQ+ living in Knowsley. This is a chance to meet new people, discuss interesting topics, laugh and share stories, information etc. It is also a chance to discuss LGBTQ+ provisions in the local area.

When and where? It will be held at the Community Hub in Huyton Library on the first Thursday of each month, 2.30pm – 4.30pm.  First meeting will take place on Thursday 7th March 2024.

 

Name: Proud As St Helens.

What is it? This is a group for people 18+ who identify as LGBTQ+ living in St Helens.  This is a chance to meet new people, discuss interesting topics, laugh and share stories, information etc. It is also a chance to discuss LGBTQ+ provisions in the local area.

When and where? It will be held at Thatto Heath Library on the second Tuesday of each month, 10.30am – 12.30pm.

 

If you would like to attend any of the above groups you will need to pre register as a Sahir House service user.

Complete a referral form: Self Referral Form. Sahir House. Updated

For organisations please complete Organisational Referral Form. Updated

Please email forms to referrals@sahir.org.uk

Alternatively, please email info@sahir.org.uk if you have any questions or need further assistance.

 

‘I invite you to take 3 deep breaths and tune into your senses, how are you feeling? All feelings are welcome here.’

Hi, my name is Moon!  I am a safe space and movement facilitator for the LGBTQ+ community in Liverpool. I am also a drag artist called Mango on the Moon, where I host Queer Ecology workshops. You can find me on the dance floor of Sonic Yootha or daydreaming in the park.

I have been hosting sessions with the awesome Sahir House, for the Many Hands One Heart Group since September 2023, including: somatics, breathwork and meditation. In these classes we use healing tools to create a conversation with our nervous systems, to find ways to be more self-resourced in the world. We can’t ever fully heal from living in a capitalist system. More than meditation, affirmations and yoga, you need safety and freedom to be well. My work is trauma informed and focused on creating safe containers for our mind, body and soul. I hope to improve mental health and for others to feel a sense of embodiment and belonging.

 

Movement, is a movement, of coming together in community, releasing all the baggage and constraints the world puts onto us.

Movement is a form of activism, breaking the binaries of how we’re meant to live in day to day life and to be authentically yourself.

Movement is a means of listening to your body’s needs, which are unique to you and ever changing. I (a neurodiverse, queer, disabled, working class, white person in the west)  am very thankful to the practice and lineage of yoga, which has helped me along the journey of moving through this life as a nonbinary person and I am grateful I get to share this practice with others as a means of liberation, resilience and love.

I have been collaborating with @Inner Bliss Yoga CIC, who is an amazing community yoga teacher and has provided the funding for these sessions to take place! Thank you for all the work that you do!

I am also the co-founder of Queer Transcend, a grassroots organisation, with @Jervogalactic. We began with the incredible support of Comics Youth, through their safe spaces programme back in 2022. We host monthly creative holistic workshops for the LGBTQ+ community in Liverpool. Our services include yoga, meditation, breathwork, sound healing, dance, drag and more! Our neurodiverse-friendly workshops take place in the legendary Lovelocks Coffee Shop, an LGBTQ+ inclusive space. We are hoping to access funding in 2024 so we can put on more sessions for free.

‘Now imagining your roots coming out of the souls of your feet, connected to the core of the earth. Branches reaching out of your head and dancing with the solar systems. Remembering that living your truth is so much bigger than you could ever perceive it to be. Our transestors are guiding us. May we be happy, healthy, safe and free.’

My email is movewithmoon@outlook.com

Instagram: @movewithmoon

If you’re a member of Many Hands One Heart and would like to Move with Moon, (or would like to become a member), please contact Katrina.taylor@sahir.org.uk

 

 

Feeding Liverpool is the city of Liverpool’s food alliance, connecting and equipping people and organisations to work towards good food for all.

They have provided a list of useful Liverpool-based Christmas Food Support services and resources for the Christmas and New Year period.

Head to their website using the link below to find out more information about Community Christmas Meals, Emergency Food providers, Community Food Spaces as well as what other resources, support and advice is available for people over the festive season.

https://www.feedingliverpool.org/liverpool-christmas-support-page-2023/

 

Did you know that Sahir House runs an online peer support group via Zoom every Friday?

This is a group for people living with HIV across the Liverpool City Region. It was originally set up during the COVID pandemic lockdown.  The group has regular attendees who have been incredibly supportive to one another throughout the lockdown and beyond. Read on to find out more from our volunteer group facilitator, Ash Charlton;

“Hi there, I’m Ash and welcome to our Friday drop-in group! It’s a peer support group for people living with HIV, though we chat about all sorts.  It’s my privilege to facilitate the group introducing lots of different conversational topics such as housing, health, family, HIV stigma etc.

The group is always supportive and willing to listen. For each session I suggest a discussion topic, group exercise, or a fun meditation. The aim is to increase wellbeing and reduce loneliness.

For example, the group discussed coping with grief and loss, and another time we shared appreciations: people said what they liked and appreciated about each group member.

I started volunteering with Sahir after a bad experience with homophobia and racism. It has been an incredibly healing experience to do something useful with such a wonderful group of people.”

If you would like to join this online group or to find out more please email info@sahir.org.uk

Read this brilliant article written by Ash as he reflects on World AIDS Day.

https://www.diversityrolemodels.org/news/surviving-the-epidemic-a-64-year-old-s-reflection-on-world-aids-day

 

The Home Office have confirmed that for 2023 the 22nd of December will be the last date for evictions this year.

Discontinuation will continue to be processed, but anything that falls on the 23rd December through to and including 2nd January will have the end of grace period moved to 3rd January. This covers the whole festive period and the additional bank holiday in Scotland.

Last date for evictions on discontinuations – 22nd December 2023

 

First day for evictions to recommence – 3rd January 2024.

These dates apply across the UK.

No service user should now get a letter with a support cessation date between 23rd December and 2nd January – if colleagues in homelessness services do see any cases like this, please can you ask them to direct the individual to the positivemoveon@migranthelpuk.org where a reinstatement can be requested.

Sahir House is delighted to announce the successful soft launch of a new Queer Town Hall initiative for the Liverpool City Region.

Hosted at Lovelocks Coffee Shop on Wednesday 6th December, our pilot event witnessed an impressive turnout, with over 40 attendees passionate about fostering connections within the LGBTQ+ community.

This much needed initiative, prompted by a discussion with several grassroots groups and facilitated by Sahir House, is driven by our shared commitment to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ individuals across the Liverpool City Region.

The Queer Town Hall is not only an inclusive platform for dialogue but also a community-driven venture, with our aspiration for the initiative to be owned, shaped, and directed by the community it serves.

CEO Ant Hopkinson expressed the significance of this initiative, stating, “We hope that the Queer Town Hall will grow from strength to strength, providing a much-needed authentic platform for LGBTQ+ people to safely come together to discuss, debate, and generate action on matters important to them.”

Each Queer Town Hall will focus on a different topic, selected by community members. The pilot event centred on the LGBTQ+ community’s relationship with Merseyside Police.

Much of the discussion held centred around Peter Tatchell’s ‘Apologise Now’ campaign, acknowledging a history of persecution and mistreatment as well as ongoing distrust that many in our community rightfully continue to harbour towards the police.

Recalling a grim history of police raids on queer spaces, arrests during HIV/AIDS protests, the vilification of queer sex and relationships and recent mistreatment of gender diverse community members, it was acknowledged that while progress has been made, issues persist, particularly affecting marginalized community members such as LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers.

Highlighting Merseyside Police’s efforts to improve relations, it was noted that LGBTQ+ individuals proudly serve as police officers, some of whom attended the inaugural town hall meeting.

Attendees collectively agreed that this event was a new opportunity and marked a new phase in the dialogue with Merseyside Police.

Participants reached a consensus that an apology might be premature, emphasising the importance of an authentic acknowledgment and a commitment from the police to engage in ongoing dialogue.

This sentiment aligns with the belief that a genuine pledge to take affirmative steps towards improving policing for LGBTQ+ individuals is more agreeable. The police was invited to seek training and insight from local LGBTQ+ organisations which includes the lived experience of those they serve.

Sahir extends its heartfelt thanks to all attendees for their bravery, tenacity, and responsiveness – which underlines the crucial role of community activism and togetherness in bettering our position in society.

Special appreciation goes to our compère, John Hyland, and the talented performers, Ali Dodds and Garnett Frost whose poetry and music enriched the event.

We extend gratitude to Lovelocks Cafe for providing a safe and welcoming space for our community to gather.

Merseyside Police is also acknowledged for their presence and willingness to listen.

Julie Cooke, Head of Inclusion at Merseyside Police stated, “Events like the Queer Town Hall are instrumental in building bridges and fostering understanding. We are committed to ongoing collaboration with the LGBTQ+ community and look forward to continued dialogue.”

As we move forward, Sahir will share next steps regarding the conversation with Merseyside Police and the ‘Apologise Now’ campaign.

We also invite community members to reach out, share thoughts, and propose ideas for the next Queer Town Hall – what topics to focus on, who to invite, and where to hold the meeting.

Together, we will shape a vibrant, inclusive platform that reflects the diverse voices within our community.

If you would like further information, please email our LGBTQ+ Community Engagement Worker, katrina.taylor@sahir.org.uk

 

This time last year I was explaining how World AIDS Day on 1^st December always marks the start of the festive season for me. The day itself is both a time for reflection and a time to start looking ahead, not just to Christmas, but to the next year and the one after that.

This year it’s especially poignant for me. Back in April, I lost my best friend I had known for the past 40 years, who was a long term survivor. He was diagnosed with HIV back in 1986, in the days it was called HTLV3.

He was told back in 1986 to get his affairs in order, and not to make long term plans, which terrified him. He metaphorically stuck two fingers up at the virus and the medical profession, and lived out his full lifespan. He lived life to the full, he was a great inspiration to many, and a great friend to me.

He was a firm believer that a healthy mental attitude goes a long way toward helping our overall sense of well-being, he proved it on many occasions. So, I would like to dedicate this month’s column to him.

This time of year is very different for most of us. Even those who don’t celebrate Christmas can’t help but be affected by the seasonal traffic, the queues in shops, and any other number of things which affect our usual routine.

The primitive side of our brain, the part which keeps us on red-alert for any type of danger, perceives any type of change as a threat and can make us anxious. This applies to any type of change, good or bad, which is why things we might really look forward to can be incredibly stressful, such as moving house or starting a new job.

So, with that in mind, I’ve put together a few tips to keep yourself in the right frame of mind over the Christmas season, whatever it means to you.

• Last minute shopping is one of the most stressful parts of Christmas for many people, so make it easier on yourself. If you’ve forgotten a present for somebody or need to get one at the last minute, just give yourself some thinking time. Don’t rush out and buy something over-priced or unsuitable. If you really are unsure, get someone a gift voucher from a shop they like, and let them bag themselves a bargain in the Boxing Day sales.

 

• Whilst I’m on the subject of last minute shopping, try to keep your cool if you’re driving for those last minute things. I always find it really strange, how at this time of year, people who can usually handle most things, can become road rage monsters in the Christmas traffic. Set off early, take your time, put something soothing on the car stereo.

 

• Enjoy yourself this party season but do remember that alcohol is actually a depressant. Don’t be afraid to say no if someone is trying to get you to have that extra drink that you really don’t want. Know your limit and stick to it. Remember it is a long holiday season so pace yourself.

 

• If the thought of a family gathering or other event is causing you to negatively forecast all the things which could go wrong, just take a moment to remember the fact that most of the things we worry about never happen. However, if you have to disappoint someone else in order to look after your own mental well-being so be it.

 

• If you are at your own event, or someone else’s and you can feel yourself becoming stressed or anxious, take yourself out for a brisk walk to clear your head. If that is not possible, take yourself off to the bathroom for 10 minutes if necessary, and take some slow deep breaths in and out, counting as you do it. This simple technique can work really quickly to lower your stress levels. It can help you to quickly reassess the situation if things are becoming a little tense or overbearing.

 

• Whether it’s the works party, a family gathering or any other event – remember that not everything you see is necessarily as it appears, so don’t compare yourself to others. It’s a habit many of us have got into thanks to social media. Just think of all the party-snapshots you see on Facebook etc., where many things look too good to be true, they usually are. There’s nothing worse than feeling lonely or out of place at an event where everyone else seems to be enjoying themselves, the temptation is there for us to just blot it all out by drinking too much, something we will probably regret afterwards.

 

Whatever this time of year means to you, I wish you peace and happiness, I would like to thank everyone at Sahir House for the great work they do, and for letting me write this column for you.

I’ll see you all again in 2024.

Please remember, if you feel you are in any type of mental health crisis, go to your GP or A&E, call the Samaritans on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258

Martin Furber is a therapist qualified in various modalities and an Instructor Member of Mental Health First Aid England.

 

Website: https://www.martinfurber.com

Email: solutions@martinfurber.com

 

We are delighted to announce plans to set up a brand new monthly LGBTQ+ peer group in Huyton, coming out in 2024! What a way to start the new year!

This will be an opportunity to meet new people, engage in conversation, and represent LGBTQ+ voices in Knowlsey!

The group will be open to all Sahir House registered service users (18+) living in Knowsley.

Further details will be released very soon, so watch this space!!

If you’re currently not registered and interested in attending, please register your interest with Gill, our Finance & Operations Lead, by emailing;  gillian.clotworthy@sahir.org.uk

 

 

 

“I wish I could wake up next March!” Is an expression I have heard twice in the past week.

We are at the time of year when the clocks go back and winter is well and truly on its way. This affects our natural body rhythms, and for some, can adversely affect our mental well-being, a condition known as SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder.

The effects can vary greatly from person to person ranging from a general feeling of tiredness and a lack of motivation through to extreme depression. It can make us anxious and irritable; we may start to crave carbohydrates such as starchy and sugary foods, making us gain weight. It can even affect our sex-drive.

The lack of daylight in our lives, waking up in darkness, and coming home from work in darkness can all take their toll. Whilst we can’t control the seasons or the weather, we can play a part in helping ourselves build some resilience to get through the long dark months ahead.

Quite simply, your body wants sunlight, without it we go into a type of ‘hibernation’ mode which makes us slow down and retreat into ourselves. Your body also needs to keep moving on a regular basis to keep your ‘happy-hormones’ flowing and increase your sense of well-being. It takes a little forward planning, and you may have to push yourself that bit harder but could really make a difference to your overall feeling of mental wellness this winter.

It is the small, positive adjustments that make a big difference.

Whenever possible, get yourself outdoors during sunlight hours. You may not feel inclined to in cold weather, but if you make the effort, you will reap the rewards. Are there any times when you could wrap up warm and get yourself outside for a brisk walk in daylight? Lunch time at work perhaps? Could you get off the bus a couple of stops early and do some extra walking?

Think daylight! Can you position yourself nearer to a window at home or work during daylight hours? What else could you do to ensure you’re getting more natural daylight? Have a think about it, just imagining seeing a blue sky can actually put you in a more positive frame of mind. Bring some nature into your home, get a couple of winter flowering plants and nurture them.

Plan ahead with your eating and ensure you are not overdoing it with too much carbohydrate rich food. It will make a difference; you will feel energised and be more inclined to keep moving.

LED daylight simulator bulbs are cheap enough at many stores and are economical to run. They mimic natural light and keep you wakeful; just remember to turn them down in the evening.

At this time of the year, it is so easy to let things get on top of us, when we are stuck indoors, it is easy to get into unhelpful habits such as ‘Doomscrolling’. If you’re wondering what on earth I am talking about, doomscrolling is when we spend an excessive amount of time reading negative news online.

Some people do it because they want to stay informed about what is happening in the world. Others do it because they are drawn to negative news stories.

Here’s the thing though, we cannot help it!

Instinctively we tend to look at things in the worst possible case scenario, it is part of our natural defence mechanism. Our brains are naturally drawn to negative information, as it is more likely to be important and relevant to our survival. This negative bias can lead us to seek-out and consume more negative news than positive news.

When we do it to excess, or feel it has become a habit we cannot break, doomscrolling can have a negative impact on our mental health. When we are constantly exposed to negative news, it can make us feel anxious, depressed, and hopeless. It can also make it difficult to focus on the positive aspects of our lives. The same can be said when we find ourselves watching the rolling news channels excessively on TV, it can be very addictive.

If this sounds like you, then please make a conscious effort to think about some of the activities that you enjoy and that make you feel good.

If you would like me to cover any particular aspect of mental health & well-being then please drop me a line with Sahir House in the subject line to solutions@martinfurber.com

You can find me online at

https://www.martinfurber.com

https://www.facebook.com/MartinFurberHypnotherapy/

Martin Furber is a therapist qualified in various disciplines and an instructor member of Mental Health First Aid England.

Please note: If you feel you are in a mental health crisis or emergency and feel you may be in danger of causing harm to yourself or others then please contact your GP, The Samaritans on 116 123 or attend A&E.

 

 

 

Join us for an exciting in person/online Sahir House Volunteer Information Session to find out more about us and the roles we have on offer. If you’re looking to widen your skills and experience we might have something for you!

This is your chance to learn more about our volunteer opportunities and how you can make a difference in the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV. During the session, we will provide a comprehensive overview of our organisation, our mission, and the various volunteer roles available.

Whether you’re passionate about fundraising, social media, campaigns, or peer support, we have a role that suits your interests and skills. We will also be looking for volunteers to support our World AIDS Day Campaign 2023 when we have many events and activities you can get involved in.

Our staff and volunteer team will give you a glimpse into the rewarding experiences and positive impact through volunteering with us. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and meet some wonderful people!

We’re running two sessions, you just need to attend one. Each session is approximately 1.5 hours long, in person (at our Dale St office) or nline, booking via the Eventbrite Links;

Thursday 16th November, 2023 at 10AM

In Person: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/750088975317?aff=oddtdtcreator

Online: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/750010430387?aff=oddtdtcreator

OR (each session is the same)

Monday 20th November, 2023 at 6PM

In Person: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/750100650237?aff=oddtdtcreator

Online: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/750098935107?aff=oddtdtcreator

We look forward to meeting you and discussing how you can become a valued member of our volunteer community!

If you have any questions, or would like to get involved but can’t make either date, please email Gill; gillian.clotworthy@sahir.org.uk

See you there!

 

How to feel better if you have low self-esteem.

There are many reasons someone can have low self-esteem, and those of us who identify under the rainbow flag often hear negative comments, either about ourselves personally, generally, or about those we care about. As such, we are more likely to experience low self-esteem and other mental health issues, compared to the general population.

So what can we do to help ourselves? What you say to yourself matters, and really makes an impact on your overall state of mind. It embeds into your subconscious. The problem is that your mind does not always recognise the difference between what is true and what isn’t. If you change the way you speak about, and think about yourself, you really can make a big change to your life.

Even saying things such as ‘I’m stupid’ over and over, can have a really negative impact and affect your self-esteem. It becomes part of your beliefs about yourself. So never put yourself down, even in jest.

It’s not difficult to see how any one of us can, at some time, feel we are not good enough or will not meet the expectations of others or perhaps even ourselves.

However, for some people, these thoughts and feelings can become intense and begin to really affect their overall self-esteem. Whatever the cause, you can help improve your self-esteem by doing two things:

1. Take positive action to change the things you say to or about yourself.
2. Alter your perceptions of how you view yourself.

Positive affirmations (statements you say to yourself) may sound a little bit ‘Woo-Woo’ to some of you. However, if you accept what I say about how all the negative things you say to yourself are affecting you, then it stands to sense that making a conscious effort to change these things to more  positive statements, will help you. You will need to take positive action for it to work. Try repeating a positive statement about yourself a few times. Say it out-loud. If you are having trouble identifying something positive about yourself then think back to the last time someone said anything positive to you, even if it was just a thank you for holding a door open for them.

As for the second point, again, this may be difficult at first if you have low self-esteem, but it is perfectly possible. Have a really good think – what are you good at? Everyone is good at something, maybe you are active in our community or are a good role model to others. Perhaps you excel at something unusual? Again, you may really have to think, but absolutely everyone is good at something.

The above are starting points for putting yourself in a better frame of mind, which is a great way to start increasing your self-esteem. If you find them difficult, then you might need to challenge your negative thoughts. When you have a negative thought about yourself, ask yourself if it is really true? Is there another way to look at the situation? Are you being too hard on yourself?

You could also try setting yourself a small and manageable task, and then completing it. When we set and achieve a goal, it boosts our self-esteem. Start with small goals that you are confident you can achieve, and then gradually set more challenging goals. Each time you achieve something, you will feel better about yourself, in other words you will boost your self-esteem.

When we have low self-esteem, we can start to look at many things from a negative point of view, this can lead to other issues. Taking care of your physical health will also improve your mental health, so make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. Your body and mind are all connected, good physical and mental health go hand in hand.

The people you spend time with can have a big impact on your self-esteem. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself and who support your goals. If you find yourself surrounded by people who are constantly putting you down or make you feel bad about yourself, then you may really need to have a long hard think about distancing yourself from them.

If you would like me to cover any particular aspect of mental health & well-being then please drop me a line with Sahir House in the subject line to solutions@martinfurber.com

You can find me online at

https://www.martinfurber.com

https://www.facebook.com/MartinFurberHypnotherapy/

Martin Furber is a therapist qualified in various disciplines and an instructor member of Mental Health First Aid England.

Please note: If you feel you are in a mental health crisis or emergency and feel you may be in danger of causing harm to yourself or others then please contact your GP, The Samaritans on 116 123 or attend A&E.

 

 

Our Coffee and Conversation peer group is set to take place on the following dates;

21^st Nov ,12^th Dec, 16^th Jan ,20^th Feb, and 19^th March –  in our cozy sunny room.

Come and enjoy a coffee or tea, and maybe a delicious sweet treat.

The session is open to people living with HIV, who are based within the Liverpool City Region. It’s a chance for our community to come together in a safe and homely space.

If you wish to attend, please email angela.english@sahir.org.uk or call 0151 673 1972 to book a place. Please note places are limited up to 15 people.

 

Coffee and Conversation has now arrived in St Helens! 

We have now set up a brand new peer group which has already begun meeting in the St Helens Bookshop, Bridge Street, St Helens on the following dates;

14th Nov, 5th Dec, 9^th Jan, 6^th Feb, 5^th Mar, 9^th April.

This is open to people living with HIV in the St Helens area.

If you wish to attend, please email angela.english@sahir.org.uk or call 0151 673 1972 to book a place. Please note places are limited up to 10 people.

Our peer groups provide an opportunity for people to come together, in a safe, non judgmental environment. It helps to reduce isolation and build a supportive, welcoming community. If you would like to support this vital frontline service you can help by either following/sharing our posts on social media, @sahirhouse, or head over to our donate page.