PACE, the UK's leading mental health centre for lesbians and gay men, is launching a fuller "Family Support Service" - now also extended to lesbians and gay men who wish to adopt.

This innovative project, which is now available nationally, offers free counselling, support and advice to all family members whatever their sexuality. The service, which is designed to help any family group where there are children or young people, will be of particular benefit to young lesbians and gay men; lesbian, gay and heterosexual parents; and lesbians and gay men who are either thinking of adopting a child, or who have already done so. The service also offers couple counselling and groups for people who want to discuss their relationship.

Project co-ordinator Howard Delmonte explains:

"Lesbians and gay men have always challenged the notion of family life by creating alternative families that are often as stable as more traditional ones. However family life is often stressful, lesbian and gay parents have to confront prejudice at their child's school and lesbian and gay young people can often be isolated and confused. Some young people may feel vulnerable and confused and may struggle with the impact of their sexuality both on themselves and on their partners or other family members. At times parents may question their parenting abilities when their child comes out as lesbian, gay or bisexual. And lesbian, gay or bisexual parents often need support with parenting, family or educational issues..."

The new service, which is funded by the Parenting Fund/Department of Education and Skills (DfES), is also responding to recent changes in the law:

Adoption law, which used to favour heterosexual couples is now permitting adoption by unmarried couples including lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. The creation of civil partnerships legislation is now set to offer lesbians and gay men some of the pension and social security rights which were previously reserved for married couples. The Family Support Service will offer help and advice in dealing with these situations.

"...the Family Support Service can help to enable parents and siblings to discuss how sexuality and other feelings are affecting the family.   It is our experience that with adequate professional support individuals can make the right choices for themselves whilst involving and acknowledging other family members. The service provides support through family-related therapy, workshops, information and training."

The couple counselling service will enable couples to explore the dynamics and conflicts within a relationship with the support of a therapist. The relationship support groups, which are designed for both couples and individuals, will offer group members a facilitated setting in which to share various relationship issues.

...NEW GROUPS AT PACE...

Relationship and Commitment

New legislation has made lesbian & gay relationships more visible and has placed more emphasis on future commitment. This group offers both couples and individuals the opportunity of exploring the pleasures, stresses and conflicts of commitment, as well as any implications of the Civil Partnership Bill on your relationship.

Lesbian and Gay Parenting

Parenting can be very challenging. Lesbian and gay parents may have added stresses and tensions, which may contribute to feelings of isolation and vulnerability. This 12-week support group is an opportunity to share and explore your experiences with other parents.