Mind in Mid Herts has started a vital research project titled “Support for Every Mind.” This project aims to understand and address the specific mental health needs of neurodiverse and LGBTQ+ communities, ensuring that the services provided are inclusive, effective, and tailored to the unique needs of these groups. The goal is to make sure these groups get the support they need.

“We expect to have a better understanding of the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ and Neurodiverse communities, leading to the development of inclusive, effective services that improve the well-being of diverse populations in Hertfordshire.”

Background and Purpose

Mind in Mid Herts has a longstanding mission to offer prevention, recovery, and support services throughout Hertfordshire, empowering individuals to take control of their mental health. The opening of Alon’s Wellbeing Centre in Hatfield presents an exciting opportunity to extend these services to underserved communities in Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City.

The research focused on several key communities:

• LGBTQ+ individuals
• Neurodiverse individuals

By conducting this research, Mind in Mid Herts seeks to develop an evidence-based mobilisation plan to enhance its mental health services. The primary research question guiding this study is, “What services can be implemented for currently underserved communities?” This will be explored through surveys and focus groups, aimed at uncovering which communities are accessible, what services they require, and where the charity can have the most significant impact.

What are we doing?

The research has been structured into two phases:

Phase 1 

• A survey distributed through the Mind in Mid Herts newsletter and paper format.
• Interviews with local representatives

Phase 2 

• Conduct focus groups and individual interviews ensuring that the insights and experiences of these groups directly influence the development of mental health services.

Key Dates

Focus group sessions for LGBTQ+ participants are scheduled as follows:

• Monday, August 12th, 5 PM, St Albans
• Thursday, August 15th, 6 PM, St Albans
• Friday, August 16th, 3 PM, Hatfield

Focus group sessions for neurodiverse participants are scheduled as follows:

• Tuesday, August 13th, 4 PM, Hatfield
• Thursday, August 15th, 2 PM, St Albans
• Friday, August 16th, 11 AM, Hatfield

Your participation is crucial to the success of this project. Adults over 18 are invited to participate in the online survey, which takes approximately five minutes to complete. To complete the survey, click the button Take the survey

We want to listen to you

If you are interested in joining a focus group*, indicate your preference when completing the survey, where you can also indicate your preferred time and date. The focus group will take an average of 60 minutes at one of Mind in Mid Herts’ centres for participants who identify as neurodiverse or LGBTQ+.

*All responses will be kept confidential, and data will be securely stored, accessible only to authorised researchers.

Together, we can shape the future of mental health services in Hertfordshire, ensuring they are responsive to the needs of every mind.

For further inquiries, please contact Taysa or Elena at [email protected].

Mind in Mid Herts is committed to improving mental health services for all. Your input can make a difference. Join us on this important journey today.