Welcome to our vibrant LGBTQIA+ community
Who are we?
PLUS (People Like US) is a safe space for people under 25 who are exploring their gender or sexuality.
We offer a non-judgemental and supportive place to meet others, where we have lots of chatter, build community and find friends.
We always welcome new people, so don't be afraid to message us to see what support you might need.
To protect other young people, we don’t give out information about the sessions until you have made contact. If you know someone else who already attends, it is ok to visit with them. Or you can bring someone to support your first visit.
PLUS Group is hosted by Gladstone Terrace Centre for Young People, a youth hub in central Gateshead.
Gladstone Terrace Centre aims to give young people in Gateshead the opportunities they deserve to enjoy their lives, achieve their potential and get involved in their communities.
We support young people to be young people.
Everyone is welcome in our centre and we believe young LGBTQIA+ people should feel safe to be themselves in our space. We will do everything we can to ensure that continues.
How to refer or get in touch
Complete form below to be referred by us and we will give further information on the exact location later on in contact:
Our services and facilities
We can refer those who need it additional/further support or help to our amazing counsellors who will take care of you and sort any problems you may be having out for you.
Community
Comfortable rooms
We try our best to maintain our rooms comfortability and cleanliness for everyone who attends and enters the rooms.
Free necessities
There are free condoms, nappies, and sanitary products available in the bathroom for anyone who needs them, feel free to take as many as you need because we understand the troubles of getting these items.
We have ramp access to the building and an accessible toilet on the ground floor. The members of staff and volunteers, even the other people attending will always offer support if you need it so do not feel left out or upset because of potential disabilities.
Accessibility
Our space
Where we meet we make use of the space to allow for people to have quiet time or mix with everyone together. We have 1-1 spaces for more personal talks with staff if you need specific support or a private discussion. In communal areas we have a library, craft activities and games.
Kitchen
We provide hot drinks and food to our groups and use the kitchen for cooking sessions. You can learn more about looking after yourself if that interests you or we just enjoy sharing time together around the table.
Meet the Team
Rhoda
(she/her)
Hi, I’m the lead youth worker for PLUS Group and a counsellor. I’ve worked with young people for 20 years and PLUS group for 5 years.
Being part of the queer community is really important to me and I’m happy to share my lived experience.
Spike
(they/them)
Hello, I’m a youth worker for PLUS Group. I started out by volunteering with PLUS 3 years ago.
Helping provide a space for young LGBTQ+ people to safely understand themselves, with people like themselves is really important, to me, and generally.
Confidentiality
Young people who attend PLUS are entitled to privacy about why they are here and what help they get with, in the same way that any person attending a youth project would be.
If you access individual support with us, we will only share information about you with your consent, unless there is an urgent risk to your safety.
You do not need the consent of a parent or carer to attend our service unless you are under 13. If you are, we would still work with you to decide what is shared to enable you to attend safely.
Any information we gather about you will be held securely and cannot be accessed by other agencies, professionals or person’s who do not have your consent to view it.
Your safety matters to us and we will always aim to put that first.
Neurodivergent friendly space
It is important to us that everyone feels able to express what their needs are when they attend PLUS support.
You are welcome to bring sensory aids, fidgets, comfort items or wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.
Some people use headphones when they are here or may appear to be on their phone, we know this is a necessary aid to you being in the space or group
If you are aware that you have specific needs that would help you be in our space or participate better, we would welcome you to share that.
Sometimes there may have to be compromises to accommodate everyone in a group setting. We believe this is best achieved through open communication.
We would always try to ask you when we first meet but you can let us know at any time.
PLUS will aim to have clear information about what you can expect from us and be transparent about our limits. This includes how the worker will work with you and how the service will treat you.
You do not need to have a diagnosed need.
Adapting our space is intended to make it better for everyone.
No one needs to tell us what the are exploring in their sexuality or gender when they first attend. It is up to you when you are ready to tell others in group.
We know this might be the first time you are telling someone openly or the first time it has gone well.
If you change how you identify when you are with us, we genuinely want to be excited and happy for you on this journey.
It’s ok to be confused or questioning!
“It’s ok to take time to figure it out and experiment. Someone in group helped me find the name I want to use. It made me so happy that everyone used it straight away”
Mind Your Own Cis-ness
Mind Your Own Cis-ness
Mind Your Own Cis-ness is our podcast. At PLUS group we sometimes find ourselves having in-depth conversations about experiences we have as members of the LGBTQ+ Community, and the things that impact us, like school rules and access to healthcare, for example. We decided to record them because we thought there are others like us that may enjoy and benefit from being included in the conversation, even just listening in.
We started by talking about coming out in our first episode, but there’s some much that comes after that: we have full lives to lead, and to talk about.
We hope you enjoy listening.