LGBTQ+

For all LGBTQ support (including BeeHIVE), please make a referral here.

The What Centre specialises in providing a range of support for young people who would like to explore their gender identity and sexuality. Thanks to the new Health and Wellbeing Fund, we are pleased to announce specialist LGBTQ+ individual counselling as well as family work:

Support on offer	Who this group is for	When it runs	Where it runs
One-to-one counselling	13 to 18 years old	By appointment only	Stourbridge or Dudley Branch or online support
Family work	13 to 18 years old as well as any family/partner etc	By appointment only	Stourbridge or Dudley Branch or online support

One-to-one counselling

Individual counselling is available for anyone aged 13 -18 years who is part of the LGBTQ+ community. Counselling will provide a non judgemental, safe environment where the young person can explore, feelings and emotions around worries or issues they may be experiencing. With the intention of embracing changes and empowering the young person to move forward with their lives.

Parents, families and carers may also be impacted by struggles and changes around new situations while supporting the young person. We offer family sessions to enable exploration, reassure and support everyone involved.

Family work

Family therapy is also particularly beneficial to young people and their families as it gives the opportunity to embrace and explore dynamics within their family system which may be impacting on the young person’s ability to thrive. LGBTQ+ issues may impact family members so full support often enables better communication and a more settled home environment.

The process enables all family members to express and explore emotions and difficulties safely, whilst allowing each member to understand and consider different perspectives whilst appreciating the needs of others. Members can speak openly, individually and together about any difficult or distressing issues in respect of their own experiences.

Family intervention work aims to work with strengths and relational resources within the family, whilst reducing stress and disputes by encouraging more positive interactions. The therapist will consider problems as patterns that just need adjustments. The outcome being improved communication and reduced conflict. Creating a safer functioning home environment in which the young person can develop.

Group support

Aside from counselling with a specialist counsellor, the What Centre also provides a range of group support targeted at working with these issues with other young people who may be dealing with similar experiences.

Group name	Who this group is for	When it runs	Where it runs
Spectrum Support	LGBTQ+ group for 13 to 18 years old	Every Friday 5.00pm to 6.00pm	Stourbridge Branch (currently run online - see What's On for updated timings)
LGBTQ+ support	LGBTQ+ group for 13 to 18 years old	Every Wednesday 5pm to 6.30pm	Dudley Branch (currently run online - see What's On for updated timings)

The What? Centre also provides LGBTQ & Transgender support (18 yrs and over) as well as counselling via our BeeHIVe project. Details on the adult groups can be found on the BeeHIVe website - please check as there may be changes.

Group name	Who this group is for	When it runs	Where it runs
HIV Peer Support and Therapy Group	HIV positive therapy group for 18 years and over	Every fortnight on a Tuesday 2.30pm to 4.00pm	Brindley House, 48-50 Hall Street, Dudley, DY2 7DY (currently run online - see BeeHIVe for updated timings)
Transgender wellbeing group	Transgender, non-binary, gender fluid and gender questioning group for 18 years and over.	Every fortnight on a Monday 2:00pm to 4:30pm	Based on activity planned – check the BeeHIVe page for details
Transgender Support Group	Transgender, non-binary, gender fluid and gender questioning group for 18 years and over.	Monthly on a Monday 2.00pm to 3.30pm	Dudley Branch (currently run online - see BeeHIVe for updated timings)
LGBTQ+ Support Group	LGBTQ+ group for 18 years and over.	Every for Dudley Branch night on a Wednesday 5.00pm to 7pm	Dudley Branch (currently run online - see BeeHIVe for updated timings)

For all LGBTQ support (including BeeHIVE), please make a referral here.

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Reporting Hate Crime

The police don't tolerate hate crime, why should you? Reporting hate crime makes a difference. You can help prevent a hate crime happening to someone else in your community and other communities, and you can help the Police better understand hate crime and improve their responses to it, including making arrests. If you do not feel comfortable contacting the Police directly, The What? Centre can do so on your behalf. We can keep your identity anonymous, or pass on your details.
BAME group

In addition to counselling with a specialist counsellor, the What? Centre also offers group support. The BAME Group can help you connect with like-minded people and provide you with a supportive network, give you a space to explore the unique challenges faced by BAME people and promote your well-being. The aim of this group will be exploring identity and self-acceptance. Please register to our first group session, which will then continue weekly.
Support for Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities

The What? Centre specialises in providing a range of support for young people who would like to explore their cultural, race or identity as well as just simply provided a safe space where the BAME community can come to. In addition to counselling (with our specialist counsellor) we provide a range of targeted group support for young people experiencing similar experiences.

Support for Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities

The What? Centre specialises in providing a range of support for young people who would like to explore their cultural, race or identity as well as just simply provided a safe space where the BAME community can come to. In addition to counselling (with our specialist counsellor) we provide a range of targeted group support for young people experiencing similar experiences.
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Who we help

Young people between the ages of 9 and 25 years old.
Who we are

An Advice & Counselling Service providing a high quality client centred service by fully qualified & experienced staff.
Accessibility

We are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of technology or ability.
Reporting Hate Crime

The police don't tolerate hate crime, why should you? Reporting hate crime makes a difference. You can help prevent a hate crime happening to someone else in your community and other communities, and you can help the Police better understand hate crime and improve their responses to it, including making arrests. If you do not feel comfortable contacting the Police directly, The What? Centre can do so on your behalf. We can keep your identity anonymous, or pass on your details.
Online services

The What? Centre is able to provide counselling/advice and groups remotely and in the comfort of your own home
LGBTQ+

The What? Centre specialises in providing a range of support for young people who would like to explore their gender identity and sexuality. In addition to counselling (with our specialist counsellor) we provide a range of targeted group support for young people experiencing similar experiences.
Group work

We provide a range of support groups and workshops that cover anxiety management, anger management, LGBTQ and BAME issues
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