Icebreakers is a LGBT self-help, mutual support group for gay and bisexual men aged 18 to 80 plus.
Icebreakers' aims are to assist and support gay and bisexual men to overcome anxieties, feelings of isolation or lack of self esteem mainly, but not exclusively, by providing a free and safe space for them to meet others in a similar situation and by facilitating a mutually supportive and empowering environment hosted by a dedicated team of volunteers.We also aim to help service-users gain confidence and other life-skills, through the provision of advice, information and training.
Why the community needs usDue to historical and continued prejudice and discrimination within parts of our society, many of our service-users suffer from low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and internalised homophobia.Those who attend Icebreakers come to the group to either escape isolation, improve their confidence levels, gain support from LGBT peers, deal with sexual orientation issues ('coming out', gender identity, etc.), gain an introduction to the local gay social scene and/or learn new life-skills.
Our impact on the communityOver 95% of those that attend the group see significant improvements/improvements in their lives through either some or all of the following: increased confidence and self-esteem; being more comfortable with their own sexuality and their knowledge levels around sexual health; establishment of a friendship / social network. Many also feel enabled to join other LGBT groups and start leading more fulfilling lives to the benefit of both themselves and society as a whole.
