Location
BristolOnline
Drop-in or signup?
Sign upAge range
13-25 year olds
Get Social
Freedom is OTR’s gender and sexuality social action project.
Please note that the Freedom sessions will be both virtual and in person. You can sign up with the button above.
LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, questioning or queer and the ‘+’ includes other diverse identities such as asexual, demigender, non-binary, pansexual, to name a few. Freedom is open to anyone questioning their sexuality or gender and is supported by a team of friendly and knowledgeable LGBTQ+ youth workers.
Here’s what’s on offer…
Freedom Youth (age 13-18)
Group sessions are social, informative and safe supportive spaces. Sessions are filled with workshops (on topics such as housing, relationships, mental health, gender and sexuality, keeping safe and much more). Members decide the programme which always includes games, socials, trips and creative activities.
Freedom (age 18-25)
Freedom is a social and information space which provides support, advice and social opportunities for those aged between 18 and 25. Group members can gain experience in campaigning, activism, mentoring and event organising. Members lead the group and are supported by friendly and experienced youth workers.
Freedom also offers a space for one-to-one chats about what matters to you.
Upon signing up for Freedom you will be contacted with next steps, dates and times. We deliberately don’t put the dates and times on the website for Freedom for confidentiality reasons.
Parent Session
We’re offering a a one-off peer support session on August 15th for parents and carers of LGBTQ+ young people.
This two-hour facilitated workshop is an opportunity for you to ask questions and share your experiences with each other, as well as offering solidarity and support.
You can sign up here.
OTR’s Freedom project was proudly part of the transformational Queer Futures 2 (QF2) research, exploring LGBTQ+ young people’s mental health. Queer Futures 2 is working with 12 best practice agencies (of which Freedom is one!) who are leading the way in championing LGBTQ+ young people’s mental health. This research will influence and shift NHS policy making decisions for the next few years.
Working together with EACH our young people created ‘What is gender?’ a short film with documentary and animation:
Partnerships
We are proud to work with Voice and Influence as the LGBTQ+ Delivery partner. They work to make sure that individuals, groups and communities whose voices aren’t always heard are listened to, and are part of shaping Bristol’s future. Check out their Twitter and Instagram pages to find out more about what they do.
We also work with work with Bristol Hate Crime and Discrimination Services as their LGBTQ+ advisory partner. If you have experienced or witnessed a hate crime, you can contact us for a chat and support here or you can call our 24/7 freephone number on 0800 171 2272.
If you are unsure whether to report or you are nervous about what to expect if you do, you can talk to us. We can give you advice and help you pass on information if you choose.
