Telephone Counseling and Info

The OUT Helpline has been in existence for 14 years and offers telephonic counseling and information. Counseling is provided mainly in English and is available daily from 09h00 to 22h00. Reverse charge calls are accepted. Don't hesitate, make the call: (012) 344 6500

The OUT Helpline also consists of a regularly updated resource directory of LGBT affirmative services. The resource list consists of contact details for:

Postal and email enquiries are also welcome: mentalhealth@out.org.za.

Face-to-Face Counseling

OUT offers on-site face-to-face counseling every Thursday from 09h00 to 16h00. Since this service was initiated in August 2006, many LGBT individuals and couples have made use of it with great results. Issues dealt with in the counseling sessions include: coming out, personal growth, trauma, relationship challenges, conflict management and resolution and victimization. This service is offered by a nurse therapist, social worker, a registered counsellor and a counselling psychologist.

The counseling services will expand as from 1 October 2008. This services will be offered at the new PRISM Community Centre, an extension of the services offered by OUT, at 1093 Pretorius Street, Hatfield. Contact the Mental Health Manager for more information at (012) 344 5108 or mentalhealth@out.org.za

Support and Interest Groups

The HIV Positive Support Group is open to people living with HIV. It is facilitated by a counselor and meets the third Saturday of the month.

The SUPAMUMS Support Group for lesbian mothers takes place the second Wednesday of the month at 18h00 at the OUT offices in Arcadia. At this group, lesbian mothers from all walks of life discuss issues specifically applicable to motherhood and being lesbian women.

The Lesbian Interest Group meets on the last Wednesday of the month. All lesbian and bisexual women are welcome to attend. The group shares issues of interest and concern to these women e.g. relationships, sex and intimacy, self acceptance, coming out etc.

The Gay Men’s Interest Group meets every last Friday of the month. At this platform, gay men get together and share experiences around various topics.

The Book Club for all LGBT’s interested, meets once a month. Please give Jay a call at (012) 344 5108.

As from 1 October, all the above groups will be offered at the PRISM Community Centre, an extension of OUT’s services at 1093 Pretorius Street, Hatfield. For more info on all of the above groups, call Delene or Trish at (012) 344 5108

Study Groups

Study groups for all mental health professionals meet on the last Monday of the month, from 18h00 – 20h00. The Study Group's focus is to help professionals to understand and share expertise on mental health issues facing gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. This will develop skills to intervene therapeutically in a sensitive and more effective manner in the services rendered to LGBT clients. 2 CPD points can be attained for each Study Group attended and CPD certificates are issued.

For more info call Delene or Trish at (012) 344 5108

Community Activities

OUTside – Safe Social spaces for LGBT people, every second Saturday from 11h00 to 15h00.

There is a need to provide services to LGBT people where positive norms can be strengthened. Very often LGBT people have little social opportunities where they can interact with peers, around norms that are positive and sustainable for mind, body and spirit. Activities include:

Library – A small amount of good reads available. DVD’s not available for take out, but can be watched on the premises; internet access is also available.

A coffee corner - enjoy a cup of coffee while reading or playing a game of chess or adding your piece to a puzzle.

Creative classes - take part in mosaic or beading. Art therapy offered from time to time.

Activity sessions – yoga, mediation, Buddhist chanting and self-defence.

Movies - Watch a DVD with others.

Life Skills - Learn more about yourself in the life skills sessions.

OUTside moves to the new PRISM Community Centre, an extension of OUT’s services, at 1093 Pretorius Street, Hatfield, as from 1 October 2008.

For more information on any of the above services offered, please give the friendly OUT Mental Health Manager a call on 012-344-5108 or send an e-mail to mentalhealth@out.org.za.