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BYOU+1
How can BYOU+1 support you
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Sometimes we can have all the will in the world to get up and try new things and meet different people, but it’s often our confidence that holds us back.
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Experiences of isolation and loneliness can be due to a number of reasons. Having mental health issues, coming out of a relationship, feeling like you don’t have any social networks, being new to the area or just coming out can all be challenging barriers to being the person you want to be. This is where BYOU+1 comes in.
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The following video explains the details of our befriending service.
Regular one to one contact with a supportive Community Champion can help with confidence, self-esteem and motivation. Whether it’s just meeting up for a brew and a chat, attending events and activities, group sessions, or encouraging you to go it alone, our Community Champions can help you to be the person you want to be, and challenge those negative thoughts we all have from time to time.
How does BYOU+1 work?
Sign up
To access BYOU+1, all you need to do is fill in our referral form where you tell us about your situation.
We also accept service to service referrals for professionals who wish to refer an individual into BYOU+1. If you have any questions, please email Team@byouplus.com
Getting to know you
After you sign up for the service, you will be contacted by one of our volunteers to get to know you, your interests, and needs. Based on that conversation you will then be matched with a Community Champion we think would be best for you.
Ongoing support
The duration of the support will depend on your needs. We understand some people will require more time than others, which is why we will continue to check in with you to see how you feel and know when you’re ready to progress.
The new you
At the end of support we hope that we can transition you into our BYOU+ Social Groups where you can meet others who have been through the program as well as the rest of the local LGBTQ+ community.
Meet your champion
All our Community Champions will have received appropriate training from BYOU+. Some of them have lived experience as an LGBTQ+ person, and some are LGBTQ+ allies so you can feel safe and free to be yourself around them.
What type of support is available?
We understand everyone is different and has different needs. To make sure you’re comfortable and receiving the help you need we offer the following types of support:
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In-person support
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Telephone support
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Video calling support
Text chat support
Who is befriending aimed at?
At the moment BYOU+1 is aimed at those who:
Socially isolated/
low confidence
Live in the
Wigan Borough
Aged over 18
Identify as LGBT
or questioning
Volunteer to become a Community Champion
Do you want to make a difference to reducing social isolation for LGBTQ+ people in the Wigan Borough? Do you have a couple of hours per week to give? If so, you may just be what BYOU+1 is looking for.
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Find out what being a Community Champion involves and how to volunteer:
Immediate Support
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or feel concerned that you may harm yourself please contact the following services:
SAMARITANS (24 hours, 7 days a week)
116 123 (free call) / 0161 236 8000 (local charges apply)
THE SANCTUARY (8 pm-6 pm)
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If you are concerned about an immediate risk of harm - either to yourself or someone else - phone 999. If it is not an emergency but you require urgent advice, call 101. Visit your local Accident & Emergency department if necessary.