About

Who we are

For almost 10 years, the group, formerly known as Out in the UK, has supported LGBTQ+ asylum seekers in the Coventry area from many countries where they were suffering persecution, torture, and even death threats because of their sexuality. Originally set up as part of Coventry and Warwickshire Friend, a social group for LGBTQ+ people in Coventry, we have  developed our own identity as a group, still with connections to Coventry Pride, and we have also developed links with other groups in the city that work with asylum seekers and refugees.(eg Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre.

 What we do

Currently we meet regularly twice a month at a city centre location in Coventry. The purpose of these meetings is: 

1. To provide a safe and welcoming space where members can meet and form friendships, where they can escape the feeling of isolation that many experience, and learn about the asylum process.
2. To offer workshops which are intended to empower members, working on their physical, mental and social well-being. 
3. To make links with other groups and take part in public events, such as Pride, celebrations of Refugee Week.
4. To support individual members and refer them for appropriate professional help where necessary (eg doctors, lawyers, counselling,) 
5. For us to come to know members well enough to be able to write convincing letters to the Home Office and / or attend Tribunal hearings with them, to support their claim for asylum.

Our overall aim is to support members through what is often a long and very stressful period as they go through the asylum process.