Intercom Trust

Saturday 16th December - Sound Communities - 1.30pm 🔈

Dress up in your festive jumpers and join us at Sound Communites for our December Family Pride event. Have a go at DJing, performing, making a radio show or just come for a chat with other families. Teas, coffees and snacks will be provided.

Book your place on our Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/family-pride-sound-communities-tickets-757636108997?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Family Pride Events
Our Family Pride events are simply about finding each other, having some fun, and boosting parent and child confidence. Parents and carers can have time together. Children and young people can have time together. Or you can just have a cuppa and soak up the atmosphere.

LGBT+ Families
An LGBT+ family may contain one or more parents who identify as LGBT+ and/or one or more children who identify as LGBT+.

If you have any questions, please call our Helpline on 0800 612 3010 (Mon-Fri 9am – 4pm), or email [email protected]

Please book one ticket per person in your family attending. People under 18 must attend with a responsible adult.

***an

Hanukkah Sameach to everyone celebrating the start of Hanukkah today, including our LGBT+ communities! 🕎🏳️‍🌈

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[ID: a page with a white background. In the centre of the page is a title in bold blue font reading 'Happy Hanukkah'. Underneath the title is writing in blue font reading 'Light Peace Love', 'May you be filled with peace and happiness'. The text is surrounded by pictures of gifts, scrolls and menorahs. At the bottom of the page is the Intercom Trust logo.]

How can your Gift help us at Intercom?

Intercom supports 3000 people every year, nearly 50% of whom are under 18 years old. Leaving a gift in your will could help our much-needed charity to deliver a vital service to more and more LGBT+ people every year who come to us in crisis.

Your legacy donation will help fund our vital services, including our schools ‘Open Project’, our domestic abuse and sexual violence ‘Safer Rainbow’ project, and our Help, Support and Advocacy services.

Every penny from your gift can help to put our clients on a better path and help to improve their lives for the better.

For more information, visit the ‘Support Us’ page on our website to find our 'Gifts in Wills Guide', or phone our Helpline to hear about our services from Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm

Take a look: https://www.intercomtrust.org.uk/support-us/

📞 0800 612 3010
🖥 [email protected]

SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre)

Sexual violence is a sexual activity which took place without consent. Consent is not when there is; intimidation, manipulation, pressure, bullying, threats, unconsciousness. Consent is when there is a mutual agreement and choice to a sexual activity.

A Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) offers confidential medical and practical support to people who have recently been r***d or sexually assaulted. SARCs are usually provided by the NHS.

At a SARC, you can get medical and practical support, such as:
- Collect and store forensic evidence
- Free pregnancy and sexual health screenings
- Emergency contraception, PEP and Hep B vaccination and counselling support

Find your nearest SARC: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-health-services/rape-and-sexual-assault-referral-centres

For more information, call or email our helpline from Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm

📞 0800 612 3010
🖥 [email protected]

Intercom is delighted to be a part of a special preview of 'Monica' (15) at The Plaza Cinema Truro on Wednesday 13th December, in support of Intercom and Safe Haven-Cornwall and delivered by 606 Distribution 🎥

MONICA is an intimate portrait of a woman who returns home after a long absence to confront the wounds of her past. Reconnecting with her mother and the rest of her family for the first time since leaving as a teenager, Monica embarks on a path of healing and acceptance.

The film delves into Monica’s internal world and state of mind, her pain and fears, her needs and desires, to explore the universal themes of abandonment and forgiveness.

Starring Trace Lysette (Transparent, Hustlers) and Patricia Clarkson (Sharp Objects, Easy A, She Said).

Come along and enjoy this trans-inclusive story 🏳️‍⚧️

Tickets 🔖 https://wtwcinemas.co.uk/book/?performance=106974&screen=truro

For students aged 15-18, book an adult ticket then add the code 'STUDENT' for a £2 discount 🌟

Today is International Volunteer Day! 🎉

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers and supporters for all the work that they do. As a local organisation, we value every hour that our volunteers can give to help us in our support and advocacy work for our LGBT+ communities across Devon and Cornwall. In the recent climate that we live in, we value their support more than ever 🏳️‍🌈

If you would like to find out more about how to support us at Intercom Trust, take a look here: https://www.intercomtrust.org.uk/support-us/

***an

[ID: a page with a turquoise blue background. At the top of the page at a graphic of four hands reaching upwards, with hearts in the middle of each in red, pink, green and yellow. Underneath this is a title in white font reading; International Volunteer Day'. At the bottom of the page is the Intercom Trust logo.]

Intercom is happy to announce our official 'Gifts in Wills Guide' ✍️

We are grateful for all the support we receive in funding our vital work - even a small gift in your will can make a big difference 🏳️‍🌈

Take a look on our 'Support Us' page: https://www.intercomtrust.org.uk/support-us/

***an

Today is International Day of People with Disabilities 🌟

International Day of People with Disabilities is a day to celebrate, learn about and take action for people with disabilities of all kinds. We want to highlight and uplift those individuals within our LGBT+ communities who have both physical and mental disabilities, and advocate for greater inclusivity and understanding for both communities across the Southwest.

Learn more about International Day of People with Disabilities here: https://idpwd.org/about/

***an

[ID: a page with a pink and white background. At the top of the page is a title in pink and white font reading 'International Day of People with Disabilities'. At the bottom of the page is a graphic of five people with disabilities smiling to each other. In the middle of the page is the Intercom Trust logo.]

Tuesday 5th December - Cornwall Parent Coffee Evening - 6pm ☕

This parent meet-up gives an opportunity for parents to grab a coffee and have a chat with each other, and a member of Intercom Trust staff will be around if there are any particular questions or queries you might have.

Come and enjoy a safe and supportive environment for LGBT+ families and get the support you need 🏳️‍🌈

Book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/family-pride-cornwall-parent-coffee-evening-tickets-726018038497?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Family Pride Events
Our Family Pride events are simply about finding each other, having some fun, and boosting parent and child confidence. Parents and carers can have time together. Children and young people can have time together. Or you can just have a cuppa and soak up the atmosphere.

LGBT+ Families
An LGBT+ family may contain one or more parents who identify as LGBT+ and/or one or more children who identify as LGBT+

If you have any questions, please call our Helpline on 0800 612 3010 (Mon-Fri 9am – 4pm), or email [email protected]

Please book one ticket per person in your family attending. People under 18 must attend with a responsible adult.

***an

[ID: the page has a yellow and orange gradient background. The title to the page reads 'Family Pride Event, Parent Coffee Evening, Friendly monthly meet-up starting 3rd October' in white and purple fonts. Beneath the title is a picture of a donkey next to the Family Pride logo of a lion cub next to the Progress Flag. Underneath the pictures is text reading 'Baker and Chef, Truro - 6pm to 8pm, Book through Eventbrite!'.

The Safer Rainbow Project gives our clients the chance to build their confidence and empower themselves. See what clients have said about the Project and our Empowerment Group 🟣

Find out more about the Safer Rainbow Project: https://www.intercomtrust.org.uk/domestic-abuse-support/

For more information, call our free helpline or email our office:

0800 612 3010 (Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm) 📞
[email protected] 💻


***an

Today is , taking place on 1st December each year 🔻

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.

For more information, take a look at the work of National AIDS Trust and The Eddystone Trust - HIV & Sexual Health 📲

***an

[ID: a page with a light-pink gradient background. In the middle of the page is a title in white font reading 'World AIDS Day'. Behind the title is a red ribbon flowing across the page. At the bottom of the page is the Intercom Trust logo.]

As this draws to a close, Intercom stands with our trans+ communities ❤️🏳️‍⚧️

We offer our support and solidarity in the light of recent months, which have been incredibly tough for members of our LGBT+ communities, especially for our trans+ communities. Intercom will be here to support you through our services and signpost you to the help you need.

You are not alone 🏳️‍⚧️

If you need help and support, call or email our helpline from Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm

📞 0800 612 3010
🖥 [email protected]

***an

[ID: a page with a blue, white and pink gradient background. In the centre of the page is the Intercom Trust logo, underneath which is white text reading 'stands with our trans+ communities'. The whole text together reads 'Intercom Trust stands with our trans+ communities'. In the top left and bottom right corner of the page is the Trans Pride Flag.]

Through our Safer Rainbow Project, Intercom Trust offers a confidential safe space for you to talk about your experiences and learn what options are available to you.

We offer emotional and practical support to help you consider informed choices. If you are worried that getting help might make things worse, we are a secure and confidential service that will always put your safety and wellbeing first.

LGBT+ survivors of domestic abuse or sexual violence can often be reluctant to report any incidents or issues to the police for fear of being judged, misunderstood, or that their case may not be taken seriously.

Safer Rainbow Project supports them to gain more positive experiences with police reporting, increase awareness of police diversity teams and how this can support their next steps.

Remember, domestic abuse can be psychological, physical, sexual, financial, or emotional, and can include coercive control.

You do not have to face this alone, we’re here to support you.

For more information, call or email our helpline from Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm

📞 0800 612 3010
🖥 [email protected]





***an

We have 4 Family Pride events coming up this December! 🎉

We will be having Christmas crafts, festive games and coffee evenings! ❄️

Come and enjoy a safe and supportive environment for LGBT+ families and get the support you need 🏳️‍🌈

Tuesday 5th December - Cornwall Parent Coffee Evening - 6pm ☕
This parent meet-up gives an opportunity for parents to grab a coffee and have a chat with each other, and a member of Intercom Trust staff will be around if there are any particular questions or queries you might have.

Saturday 16th December - Sound Communities - 1.30pm 🔈
Dress up in your festive jumpers and join us at Sound Communites for our December Family Pride event. Have a go at DJing, performing, making a radio show or just come for a chat with other families. Teas, coffees and snacks will be provided.

Wednesday 20th December - Festive Games Afternoon - 1.30pm 🎄
We will have lots of festive games, quizzes, colouring and sensory toys available to ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Thursday 21st December - Christmas Crafts - 10am ✂️
Join us at the Intercom Office for our last event of 2023! Make some decorations and gifts to spread joy and love this season.

Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/intercom-trust-17691399947

Family Pride Events
Our Family Pride events are simply about finding each other, having some fun, and boosting parent and child confidence. Parents and carers can have time together. Children and young people can have time together. Or you can just have a cuppa and soak up the atmosphere.

LGBT+ Families
An LGBT+ family may contain one or more parents who identify as LGBT+ and/or one or more children who identify as LGBT+.

If you have any questions, please call our Helpline on 0800 612 3010 (Mon-Fri 9am – 4pm), or email [email protected]

Please book one ticket per person in your family attending. People under 18 must attend with a responsible adult.

***an

The 16 Days of Action against Gender-Based Violence is an international movement to call for an end to violence against women and girls. It runs from 25th November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10th December, Human Rights Day 🟣

Intercom will be sharing information on how you can support , and how you can get the support you need if you are a victim or survivor of abuse.

This includes Intercom Trust's Safer Rainbow Project - our LGBT+ Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Support Service. The Safer Rainbow Project offers a confidential safe space for you to talk about your experiences and learn what options are available to you. We offer emotional and practical support to help you consider informed choices.

For more information, call our free helpline or email our office:

0800 612 3010 (Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm) 📞
[email protected] 💻


***an

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, marking the beginning of the 16 Days of Action, ending on International Human Rights Day on 10th December. This campaign aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls around the world, calling for global action to increase awareness, promote advocacy and create opportunities for discussion on challenges and solutions.

EDP Drug and Alcohol Services are now running a LGBTQIA+ Cafe on Mondays at 6pm at Magdalene House in Exeter 🏳️‍🌈

This is a safe space open to those using EDP's services, those who have previously received support, and those who are interested in what they do.

For more information, contact EDP via [email protected]

EDP: https://www.edp.org.uk/

***an

[ID: a poster with a cream background. A title in black font reads 'LGBTQIA+ Cafe, Mondays 6pm-7:30pm, Magdalene House, Grendon Road, Exeter, EX1 2NJ'. Underneath this is a graphic of LGBT+ people in clothing of many colours, smiling together.]

Yesterday Alice and Mel had a fantastic time at Ivybridge Community College for their Early Help ParentsMeet with Jeremiah's Journey, Devon Information Advice & Support, Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council, The Zone Plymouth, Home-Start South & West Devon and many other brilliant organisations! Thank you for having us there and for such a great event 🌟

***an

LGBT+ Substance Use Support in Devon

Intercom is gathering information about LGBT+ people's wants and needs in relation to support for drug and alcohol use in Devon, in order to help evaluate and improve the LGBT+ inclusivity of these services on behalf of Devon County Council 📝

This will be a short, anonymous survey that should take between 5-15 minutes.

Have you say here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LGBTsubmisDevon

***an

[ID: a page with a blue gradient background and a white header at the top of the page. At the head of the page are the logos of Together Drug & Alcohol Service, YSmart and Devon County Council. Within the blue section is text reading 'Are you LGBT+? We want your thoughts about drug and alcohol services in Devon, share your views via a short survey'. At the bottom of the page is the Intercom Trust logo in the bottom right-hand corner.]

Safeguarding Adults Week 2023 takes place from Monday 20 – Friday 24 November 2023 🔊

We will be sharing resources and info on how you can safeguarding yourself and help to safeguarding others, individually and organisationally.

Take a look at some resources below ⬇️

Ann Craft Trust - https://www.anncrafttrust.org/safeguarding-adults-week-2023-resources/

Age UK - https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/scams-fraud/

Neighbourhood Watch Network - https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/protectfromfraud

***an

Today we are remembering our dear colleague, Sarah, who sadly passed away recently. Sarah was a very special person and made a difference to so many lives; her empathy, compassion and zest for life made her an integral part of our Intercom family.

She will be dearly missed ❤️

Our next two Family Pride events are coming up this Saturday 25th November! 🏳️‍🌈

Come along for a winter walk or a fun family activity trail! 🌟

Saturday 25th November - Cardinham Winter Walk - 10.30am 👣
Join us for a delightful winter stroll in Cardinham, where families can come together while enjoying the great outdoors!

Saturday 25th November - Plymouth Trail - 11am 🗺️
Join us for a family fun treasure trail in Plymouth for November's Family Pride event! Meet at the Mayflower steps memorial at 11am with us and other families. We will then give you an activity pack to complete and exchange for a small prize!

Book your places here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/intercom-trust-17691399947

***an

Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day for our communities to come together and honour the memory of those trans and non-binary people across the world who were taken from us too soon as a result of transphobia ❤️🏳️‍⚧️

We know that the last few months have been incredibly tough for members of our LGBT+ communities, especially for our trans+ communities. Intercom will be here to support you through our services and signpost you to the help you need.

You are not alone 🏳️‍⚧️

If you need help and support, call or email our helpline from Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm

📞 0800 612 3010
🖥 [email protected]



[ID: a page with a light blue background. In the top left-hand corner is text in light pink reading 'Trans+ Day of Remembrance'. In the bottom left-hand corner is the Intercom Trust logo. In the bottom right-hand corner is a graphic of three burning candles, coloured white.]

Today is International Men's Day - we at Intercom would like to celebrate the lives of LGBT+ men and trans-masculine and gender non-conforming people, in the face of the discrimination and obstacles that they face 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️



[ID: a page with a green background. Across the page are several graphics of men smiling and holding hands together. Two in the centre are holding hands with a child. In the middle of the page is a title in white font reading 'International Men's Day'. At the top of the page is the Intercom Trust logo.]

Section 28 was repealed on 18th November 2003. It represented the end of an era but did not quickly move the UK into a culture of LGBT+ inclusivity.

Today is a day to reflect on our progress forward for LGBT+ voices and rights, but it is also a day to reflect on the legacy of the grief and pain left by this era in our history.

It is also important to acknowledge that our fight for rights and recognition is within a global context, and that our progress in the UK is against the backdrop of global repression of LGBT+ people in many countries around the world.

Intercom has been working with the 'Section 28 and its afterlives' project at University of Exeter, which is aiming to record oral histories with LGBT+ people in the Southwest in order to recover and record the experiences of those most directly affected by this legislation – and to reflect on the legacies of Section 28 today.

We encourage you to explore the project and the wonderful work of the team at the University, and to visit the exhibition next week at Positive Light Projects on Sidwell Street Exeter, as well as listen to the oral histories recorded and archived on their website.

Section 28 and its afterlives: https://s28afterlives.exeter.ac.uk/

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[ID: a page with a pink background. At the top of the page is a photo of a Section 28 repeal march. The edge the photo has a ripped effect to look like a newspaper. At the bottom of the page is a title in white font reading 'Section 28 Repeal 20th Anniversary'. The text captioned above is in white font at the bottom of the page. Next to this is the Intercom Trust logo.]

Yesterday Andy visited Love Army HQ in Plymouth and met with Nichola and Walter who are running the stall at Plymouth Market. If you are in Plymouth, why not pop down and see them for all your LGBT+ merchandise? 🏳️‍🌈

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Time is running out to apply for our new roles at Intercom! 📢

We are currently hiring for two new roles at Intercom: our In-Reach LGBT+ Youth Worker role, and a new LGBT+ Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor (IDSVA).

LGBT+ Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor (IDSVA)
In this role, you will support victims of domestic and/or sexual violence, with a focus on sexual health as well as providing trauma stabilization techniques for those who are experiencing complex trauma. You will manage a complex client load, providing help, support, and guidance to LGBT+ victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

More info: www.intercomtrust.org.uk/news/job-opening-lgbt-independent-domestic-and-sexual-violence-advisor-idsva-devon-based/

In-Reach LGBT+ Youth Worker
In this role, we are looking for someone to join the Intercom Team to support LGBTQ+ young people who have been struggling with their mental health and are leaving hospital.

More info: www.intercomtrust.org.uk/news/job-opening-for-in-reach-lgbt-youth-worker-devon-based/

Please submit all applications to [email protected], or by post to the stated address on the Application Forms.

***an

Today is 💗

International Stand Up to Bullying Day is observed twice a year in February and November. It’s observed by schools, workplaces, and organizations in more than 25 countries. Bullying can have lasting effects on a person’s psyche, and it is important to recognize instances of bullying and put an end to them immediately.

Intercom stands with our LGBT+ young people, and LGBT+ people in the workplace, against bullying and discrimination. We are always here for your support.

If you need support, contact our Helpline 📲

📞 0800 612 3010 (Mon-Fri, 9-4)
🖥️ [email protected]

***an

[ID: a light-pink gradient background. On the left-hand side of the page is a title in bold white font reading 'Stand Up to Bullying Day'. In the bottom right-hand corner is a banner graphic of the Pride rainbow: purple, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. In the bottom left-hand corner is the Intercom Trust logo.]

Here are some LGBT+ social and community groups across Devon and Cornwall that may interest you this 🏳️‍⚧️

Q***r Book Club 🏳️‍🌈 Q***r Book Club (QBC) is a collective of LGBTQIA+ people in Cornwall who get together and read books, go to events and host workshops. 'There’s no judgement if you haven’t read the book, or didn’t finish the book – if you just want to come along to be in a q***r space that’s perfectly okay too!' ➡️ ***rbookclubpz (Instagram)

Sunrise Diversity 🏳️‍🌈 Sunrise Diversity is a grass roots charity promoting equality, diversity and social inclusion in North Devon. They organise monthly LGBTQ+ social groups ➡ sunrisediversity.org.uk

Safe Haven 🏳️‍🌈 Safe Haven-Cornwall is a charity facilitating support groups and outings in Cornwall for trans and non-binary people, and their partners and families ➡️ https://www.safehaven.org.uk/index.html

Q***rOutLoud 🏳️‍🌈 Q***r Out Loud is the South West’s Q***r Creative Network. They host monthly performance nights where poets, musicians and more can share their craft with likeminded people and know that they are safe in talking about their experiences as a q***r person ➡️ www.intercomtrust.org.uk/directory/listing/q***routloud/

Stargazy FC 🏳️‍🌈 Stargazy FC is Cornwall’s first LGBTQ+ football club. They aim to provide an inclusive environment for any who wants to join in and have fun with the game. They train every Sunday at Hayle FC ➡️ Stargazy FC