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MESMAC offers its services to all men who are gay or bisexual and who identify as non-white: for example, you might be Asian, African, Caribbean, Chinese, Japanese, or from the Middle East. We also co run Rainbow Home, a group for LGBT Asylum Seekers.
PHONE INFORMATION AND ADVICE on 0191-233-1333
Call us to get information, or to talk to us about things such as:
- health concerns
- sex
- immigration
- your experiences with the Police
- coming out to your family and/or your community
- religion
- sexual abuse and male rape
- housing
- harassment
If we can’t help we’ll try to suggest other people who can.
ONE TO ONE SUPPORT
We offer the chance to talk to an experienced counsellor about issues that may concern you. We provide this in a safe, supportive, and confidential setting.
Our services are:
- open to all Black or minority ethnic men who are gay or bisexual, or who have sex with other men without actually identifying as gay/bisexual
- for men who’ve experienced any sort of abuse due to their sexuality, race, or health status
- confidential
RAINBOW HOME
Rainbow Home is an LGBT Asylum Seekers Group run jointly by MESMAC North East and Northern Lights MCC (Metropolitan Community Church). The group is a lunchtime social and support group for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people who are seeking asylum in the UK or who have not yet settled here. The group will run the 3rd Friday of the month. The group offers a safe space, integration, motivation, friendship, belonging, confidence, inspiration, a place to feel at home, a space for family and free vegetarian food. If you want to come along to the group please contact MESMAC on: 0191 2331333 or email to talk first.
Other useful contacts:
NORTH EAST REFUGEE SERVICE
North East Refugee Service (NERS) provide a free confidential and independent service giving advice, help and support to asylum seekers and refugees since 1989. Recently granted leave to remain? Living in Tyne and Wear?
Looking for assistance in:
- Benefits
- Housing
- Education
- Employment
To book an appointment with an integration advisor:
Call on: 0191 245 7301
Email on: with your query and contact details
You can visit the office, reception opening hours:
- Monday-Tuesday-Thursday: 09:30am – 17:00pm
- Friday-Wednesday: 09:30am – 13:00pm
19 Bigg market, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1UN
Website: www.refugee.org.uk
DIVERSITY LINK
The community for equality and diversity in the UK.
Britain’s leading equality and diversity information websites.
www.diversitylink.co.uk
NAZ PROJECT
Provides sexual health and HIV prevention and support services to targeted Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities in London.
Call: 0208 741 1879 weekdays 9.30-5.30 (till 8.30 p.m. on Thursdays) Languages available: Bengali, Gujerati, Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Urdu
Website: www.naz.org.uk
Email:
UK LESBIAN & GAY IMMIGRATION GROUP
The UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG) is a charity that promotes equality and dignity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people who seek asylum in the UK, or who wish to immigrate here to be with their same-sex partner.
Call: 0207 922 7811
Website: www.uklgig.org.uk
LESBIAN AND GAY COALITION AGAINST RACISM
Exists to create a visible anti-racist voice of lesbians and gay men, and to help forge the unity needed to defeat racism, homophobia and bigotry.
Website: www.naar.org.uk/lagcar
LYC LONDON
Social, support and sports group for gay Oriental guys in the UK
Website: www.lyclondon.com
FORCED MARRIAGE UNIT
Confidential service dedicated to preventing British nationals being forced into marriage overseas
Call: 020 7008 0151
Call: 0044 (0)20 7008 0151 (overseas)
Call: 0044 (0)20 7008 1500 (outside office hours)
Website: www.fco.gov.uk/forcedmarriage
IMKAAN
Asian Women’s refuges and support for Asian women and children experiencing domestic violence
Call: 020 7250 3933
Website: www.imkaan.org.uk
IMMIGRATION ADVISORY SERVICE
Provides representation and advice in immigration and asylum law
Call: 0844 974 4000
Website: www.iasuk.org
REFUGEE LEGAL CENTRE
Free legal service to asylum seekers and refugees in the United Kingdom
Call: 020 7780 3200
Website: www.refugee-legal-centre.org.uk
CHOICES
You have the right to choose.
If you or someone you know is being forced into a marriage, or is a victim of honour-based violence, contact your regional help line.
Cleveland, County Durham and Northumbria Police areas, established the help line to give advice and assistance to anyone who may be suffering from so-called Honour Based Violence or who has been or may be forced into marriage. This was the first helpline in the country
The helpline is confidential and is staffed by officers who have good quality training, including inputs from people who are survivors of so-called Honour Based Violence, which includes the practice of female genital mutilation. The helpline has already supported some local people to take greater control of their lives
Call in confidence:
0800 5 999 365