121 Adult Support
Are you LGBTQIA+, 18+, and living in Devon?
Proud2Be offers FREE 121 support where you can be who you are and talk about what you want with a kind and supportive LGBTQIA+ support worker.
It is likely that you will have some questions – we have answered the most frequently asked questions that we get asked about the service:
Can I choose which 121 support worker/volunteer I have?
No. We match 121 support workers/volunteers to service users based on your initial 121 assessment. We always try to be thoughtful with matching and are always open to feedback. Matching also depends on availability, location, and other factors which is why we can’t offer people the opportunity to choose their worker/volunteer.
What if I don’t like my 121 support worker/volunteer?
If you are unhappy with the volunteer/worker you have been matched with, please talk to Proud2Be’s adults and families services coordinator (who will be facilitating your initial assessment).
Is your 121 support like counselling?
No. We don’t offer counselling services at Proud2Be. Your sessions might be therapeutic in nature (depending on what you are talking to your worker/volunteer about) but our 121 support is focused on low-level emotional and practical support. If you think you would be more suited to counselling, please do feel free to get in touch and we can signpost you to relevant services.
Can I be friends with my 121 support worker/volunteer after our sessions are completed?
No. This is a boundary that should not be overstepped. There will always be a power imbalance where a professional is supporting another person. That professional boundary needs to be maintained throughout the sessions, even if you’re getting along really well.
If you find yourself developing feelings for your support worker/volunteer, our Adults & Families Services Coordinator (Jules) would be happy to offer non-judgemental support. Likewise if you feel that your support worker is overstepping their professional boundaries, please contact: jules@proud2be.org.uk
If one of my family members already comes to Proud2Be, can I still refer myself for support?
Yes, that is fine. Please let the person doing your assessment know if you have a family member who is also accessing Proud2Be’s services. If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality please speak to the 121 support coordinator who will be happy to answer your questions.
Do I have to pay for my 121 sessions?
No. We are very glad to be able to provide this service at no cost to you, due to funding from charitable organisations and kind donations from our supporters. If you would like to support our 121 services and other works, you can donate via PayPal or in-person at one of our groups or events.
Will you need to share my information with anyone else?
You can expect that any information you give to a support worker is treated as sensitive and confidential, and will not be shared UNLESS:
- You ask us to.
- We believe that you or another person are in danger or are being harmed.
- You disclose that you are involved or plan to become involved in acts of terrorism.
- We are told we have to by law, for example for a court case.
If your support worker/volunteer needs to break confidentiality they will do their best to speak with you and involve you in the process. You can read about the Proud2Be CIC Safeguarding Adults Policy & Procedure here.
Being LGBTQIA+ is not a safeguarding issue in itself. We will not share information about your LGBTQIA+ identity with anyone else in your life – unless you ask us to.
What will happen during the 121 sessions?
We offer practical and low-level emotional support. Sessions are led by you. You might need some help with filling in forms, getting out into the community, accessing our groups, and/or talking about your identity.
Where will the 121 sessions happen?
Support workers/volunteers can meet you; at home, outside (weather-depending), at a café, at the Proud2Be Hub in Newton Abbot, or online. If you live in another part of Devon we can offer sessions online.
How many sessions will I have?
You can have up to 12 sessions (usually lasting an hour each) but you may not feel you need that many – this will be led by you!
You can also have a trial session with no pressure to continue if it doesn’t feel right for you – you can always get in touch with us at a later date if you change your mind.
Who can make a referral?
You can refer yourself into the service, or be referred by a someone who works with you (like a GP or social worker).
If you are referring on behalf of somebody else, please talk to them first about what is on offer and whether they would like some extra support.
Does filling in a 121 support referral form mean that I will definitely get a 121 support worker/volunteer?
No, it doesn’t. The assessment process allows you to ask questions and get a feel for Proud2Be, and it also allows us to assess whether the support we can provide will suit your needs. If we don’t feel our service is right for you we will talk it through with you and support you in finding another more appropriate support service.
I am interested, what happens next?
- Fill in this referral form
- Once you have completed the referral form, Jules (our Adults and Families Services Coordinator) will be in touch to arrange an informal assessment (either in person or online)
- If you are eligible for support and you feel that it is right for you, Jules will arrange your first meeting with a support worker where you can start to get to know them and ask any questions you may have
