Greg Owen leads on PrEP at Terrence Higgins Trust and is co-founder of iwantPrEPnow, a website which facilitates the safe purchase of genuine generic PrEP (the HIV prevention drug). He is a global pioneer in PrEP advocacy and was awarded the Life Ball Life Plus Award 2017 for outstanding contribution to HIV prevention. Greg has featured in numerous radio shows and on television, speaking about HIV, sexual well-being and PrEP, as well as writing and contributing to countless articles for LGBT and mainstream media. He recently starred in the critically acclaimed, landmark BBC documentary The People vs The NHS: Who Gets The Drugs? He is currently developing a new television project with one of the UK’s leading production companies.

 Greg has lectured and presented on PrEP in many different setting across the globe. These range from lecturing at Manchester University and Oxford University to a speaking tour of Taiwan to giving evidence to the All Party Parliamentary Group in Westminster and the Department of Health and Social Care. He also presents regularly at UK medical conferences for organisations such as the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) and the British HIV Association (BHIVA) and presents internationally. He is part of the joint BASHH BHIVA PrEP Guidelines Writing Group. 

 Links

BBC coverage of The People vs The NHS; Who Gets the Drugs? https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b8cdm4

How you get monkeypox
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/monkeypox/

Find a sexual health clinic
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health/find-a-sexual-health-clinic

Monkeypox: background information
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/monkeypox

Monkeypox in the UK
https://www.tht.org.uk/news/monkeypox-uk

Please contact A Big Mouthful with any feedback, requests, suggestions or to be involved in an episode.

Email: [email protected]

Don't forget to subscribe to A Big Mouthful Podcasts.

Follow us at :

Instagram: a_big_mouthful
or
YouTube: A Big Mouthful
or
Twitter: @Mouthfulbig

Christmas can be a difficult time of the year for so many reasons.
 It can increase a sense of sorrow, loss, isolation, despondency, failure, regret and despair to identify just a few issues.
It can also be a time of over indulgence in many areas, food, alcohol, drugs, sex, risk taking behaviours, anger and for some being abused.

This episode doesn't try to resolve all those issues but it  does look at what we can do to feel empowered, to be mindful, present and hopefully more resilient.

Please do not forget to subscribe to A Big Mouthful and email me with any thoughts about what you have listened to and with any suggestions for what you would like to hear.

Details are below along with some useful links to accompany this episode.

I hope your Christmas or festive season is all you would want it to be.
See you in 2022.

Please contact A Big Mouthful with any feedback, requests, suggestions or to be involved in an episode.

Email: [email protected]

Don't forget to subscribe to A Big Mouthful Podcasts.

Follow us at :

Instagram: a_big_mouthful
or
YouTube: A Big Mouthful
or
Twitter: @Mouthfulbig

Your GP can help you:
Ring the surgery for an out of hours telephone number

outReach Cumbria
http://www.outreachcumbria.org.uk/

Just Like Us
https://www.justlikeus.org/

Mermaids
https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/

Supporting trans women in domestic and sexual violence services
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/supporting-trans-women-domestic-and-sexual-violence-services

Help for teenagers, young adults and students

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults

How universities offer student mental health support

 https://www.whatuni.com/advice/student-life/student-mental-health-support/102217/

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide exist to meet the needs and break the isolation experienced by those bereaved by suicide.
https://uksobs.org/

Email – write to [email protected]

Helpline – open 9am to 9pm Monday to Sunday 0300 111 5065

Punjabi Speaking Women’s Group – Contact [email protected] or 07376 303 438

Text SHOUT to 85258
https://giveusashout.org/about-us/about-shout/

Samaritans: 0845 7909090

24 hour helpline support for those experiencing distress, despair and/or suicidal feelings

LGBT Foundation:  – 0845 3 30 30 30 or 0161 235 8035 (10am-10pm, daily)
  Helpline run by Lesbian and gay health charity. Email: [email protected]

Hopeline UK  https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
Support for under 35’s at risk of suicide  0800 068 4141

Crisis Messenger
A free, confidential 24/7 text service. Text IUCS to 85258

As part of Trans Awareness Week, we have created a series of short videos from people within the trans and non binary community talking about their positive and negative life  experiences and have created this episode of A Big Mouthful to discuss Andrea's life experiences of being a queer trans woman.

Please contact A Big Mouthful with any feedback, requests, suggestions or to be involved in an episode. Email: [email protected]

Don't forget to subscribe to A Big Mouthful Podcasts.

To see our videos for Trans Awareness Week, go to

Instagram: a_big_mouthful
or
YouTube: A Big Mouthful
or
Twitter: @Mouthfulbig

Here are some links below that you might find useful.

outReach Cumbria
http://www.outreachcumbria.org.uk/

Transactual
https://www.transactual.org.uk/

Just Like Us
https://www.justlikeus.org/

Mermaids
https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/

LGBT Foundation
https://lgbt.foundation/who-we-help/trans-people/resources-for-trans-people

Transunite
https://www.transunite.co.uk/

Supporting trans women in domestic and sexual violence services
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/supporting-trans-women-domestic-and-sexual-violence-services

Coming Out - A guide for young trans people.
https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/media/1054/coming-out-guide-for-t-people.pdf

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @Mouthfulbig

Instagram: a_big_mouthful

YouTube: A Big Mouthful

This is a moving and powerful episode where Tom talks to me about his first feelings of sadness, through to his first overdose, his feelings of desperately not wanting to be alive anymore and then, with support, feeling he has a future and is looking forward to his life.

If you feel overwhelmed by the content of this conversation, please reach out to someone to talk to or contact one of these services.
 
 Your GP can help you:
Ring the surgery for an out of hours telephone number

Help for teenagers, young adults and students

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults

How universities offer student mental health support

 https://www.whatuni.com/advice/student-life/student-mental-health-support/102217/

Mental health support The Open University

 https://help.open.ac.uk/mental-health-support

Counselling for Students
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/help-for-teenagers-young-adults-and-students/student-mental-health-counselling/

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide exist to meet the needs and break the isolation experienced by those bereaved by suicide.
https://uksobs.org/

Email – write to [email protected]

Helpline – open 9am to 9pm Monday to Sunday 0300 111 5065

bereaveMENt – email [email protected]

Punjabi Speaking Women’s Group – Contact [email protected] or 07376 303 438

Text SHOUT to 85258
https://giveusashout.org/about-us/about-shout/

Samaritans: 0845 7909090

24 hour helpline support for those experiencing distress, despair and/or suicidal feelings

LGBT Foundation:  – 0845 3 30 30 30 or 0161 235 8035 (10am-10pm, daily)
  Helpline run by Lesbian and gay health charity. Email: [email protected]

Hopeline UK  https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
Support for under 35’s at risk of suicide  0800 068 4141

If U Care Share Foundation
If you've been bereaved, affected or are thinking of suicide please reach out for help and support. Talk to us...
https://www.ifucareshare.co.uk/
Tel: 0191 387 5661

Crisis Messenger
A free, confidential 24/7 text service. Text IUCS to 85258

Please contact A Big Mouthful with any feedback, requests, suggestions or to be involved in an episode.
 
 Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @Mouthfulbig

Instagram: a_big_mouthful

YouTube: A Big Mouthful

To donate to my sponsored walk:
All proceeds are going directly to If U Care Share.
Sponsor me with as much as you can spare and please get everyone you know to dig deep too.

You can only donate directly to If U Care Share from this link in the show notes and Twitter. https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/abigmouthful

If you would like to join me on any part of the walk, email me and let me know.
 You would be very welcome.
 Email: [email protected]

28th August 2021.
It was an amazingly sunny day.
The Peoples' Park in Ashington was the venue for Northumberland Pride.
This was our first outing as a Network since 2019.
It was amazing being able to mix with other queer folk and to talk about many issues especially around mental health.
We heard some really heart warming stories and some sad ones too and we hope we were able to help and support those of you we engaged with.

Watch our video from the day at:
https://youtu.be/rhjRoFgOeSw

Please contact A Big Mouthful with any feedback, requests, suggestions or to be involved in an episode.
 
 Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @Mouthfulbig

Instagram: a_big_mouthful

YouTube: A Big Mouthful

To donate to my sponsored walk:
All proceeds are going directly to If U Care Share.
Details are in the "If U Care Share" and other episodes in the series discussing suicide.

What I need you to do.

Firstly, dig deep into your pockets and sponsor me with as much as you can spare and please get everyone you know to dig deep too.

You can only donate directly to If U Care Share from this link in the show notes and Twitter. https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/abigmouthful

If you would like to join me on any part of the walk, email me and let me know.
 You would be very welcome.
  Email: [email protected]

Dr. Helen Bolas joins me to talk about suicide from a clinicians perspective and as always, Helen offers some educative advice.

Your GP can help you:
Ring the surgery for an out of hours telephone number

https://www.uksobs.org/
Those bereaved by suicide often feel isolated at a time when they are hurting, suffering mental anguish and are vulnerable themselves to thoughts of suicide.  Even those fortunate enough to have strong support networks can still feel alone, unable to share their true feelings for fear of their impact on others, particularly when they are also in a caring role for others who are bereaved. SOBS exist to meet the needs and break the isolation experienced by those bereaved by suicide. 

Email – write to [email protected]

Helpline – open 9am to 9pm Monday to Sunday 0300 111 5065

bereaveMENt – email [email protected]

Punjabi Speaking Women’s Group – Contact [email protected] or 07376 303 438

Text SHOUT to 85258
https://giveusashout.org/about-us/about-shout/

Samaritans: 0845 7909090

24 hour helpline support for those experiencing distress, despair and/or suicidal feelings

LGBT Foundation:  – 0845 3 30 30 30 or 0161 235 8035 (10am-10pm, daily)
 Helpline run by Lesbian and gay health charity. Email: [email protected]

Hopeline UK  https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
Support for under 35’s at risk of suicide  0800 068 4141

If U Care Share Foundation
We know that life can be tough sometimes and we may face difficult times, if you have been bereaved, affected or are thinking of suicide yourself then please do reach out for help and support.

Talk to us...
 
 https://www.ifucareshare.co.uk/
 Tel: 0191 387 5661

Crisis Messenger
If you are worried about something, talk to our trained volunteers with our free, confidential and 24/7 text service. Text IUCS to 85258

Please contact A Big Mouthful with any feedback, requests, suggestions or to be involved in an episode.
 
 Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @Mouthfulbig

Instagram: a_big_mouthful

YouTube: A Big Mouthful

To donate to my sponsored walk:
All proceeds are going directly to If U Care Share.

What I need you to do.

Firstly, dig deep into your pockets and sponsor me with as much as you can spare and please get everyone you know to dig deep too.

You can only donate directly to If U Care Share from this link in the show notes and Twitter. https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/abigmouthful

If you would like to join me on any part of the walk, email me and let me know. 
 You would be very welcome. 
 Here is my itinerary.

Thu. 9 Sep:  Wallsend to Heddon-on-the-Wall 

Fri. 10 Sep: Heddon-on-the-Wall to Chollerford
 
 Sat.  11 Sep:  Chollerford to Gilsland 

Sun. 12 Sep: Gilsland to Carlisle  

Mon. 13 Sep: Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway  

In this episode I talk with Lauren whose father died by suicide.  She talks about the devastating effects this had on her and her family and how they are now moving forward.

Your GP can help you:
Ring the surgery for an out of hours telephone number

https://www.uksobs.org/
Those bereaved by suicide often feel isolated at a time when they are hurting, suffering mental anguish and are vulnerable themselves to thoughts of suicide.  Even those fortunate enough to have strong support networks can still feel alone, unable to share their true feelings for fear of their impact on others, particularly when they are also in a caring role for others who are bereaved. SOBS exist to meet the needs and break the isolation experienced by those bereaved by suicide. 

Email – write to [email protected]

Helpline – open 9am to 9pm Monday to Sunday 0300 111 5065

bereaveMENt – email [email protected]

Punjabi Speaking Women’s Group – Contact [email protected] or 07376 303 438

Text SHOUT to 85258
https://giveusashout.org/about-us/about-shout/

Samaritans: 0845 7909090

24 hour helpline support for those experiencing distress, despair and/or suicidal feelings

LGBT Foundation:  – 0845 3 30 30 30 or 0161 235 8035 (10am-10pm, daily)
 Helpline run by Lesbian and gay health charity. Email: [email protected]

Hopeline UK  https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
Support for under 35’s at risk of suicide  0800 068 4141

If U Care Share Foundation
We know that life can be tough sometimes and we may face difficult times, if you have been bereaved, affected or are thinking of suicide yourself then please do reach out for help and support.

Talk to us...
 
 https://www.ifucareshare.co.uk/
 Tel: 0191 387 5661

Crisis Messenger
If you are worried about something, talk to our trained volunteers with our free, confidential and 24/7 text service. Text IUCS to 85258

Please contact A Big Mouthful with any feedback, requests, suggestions or to be involved in an episode.
 
 Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @Mouthfulbig

Instagram: a_big_mouthful

YouTube: A Big Mouthful

To donate to my sponsored walk:
All proceeds are going directly to If U Care Share.

What I need you to do.

Firstly, dig deep into your pockets and sponsor me with as much as you can spare and please get everyone you know to dig deep too.

You can only donate directly to If U Care Share from this link in the show notes and Twitter. https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/abigmouthful

If you would like to join me on any part of the walk, email me and let me know. 
 You would be very welcome. 
 Here is my itinerary.

Thu. 9 Sep:  Wallsend to Heddon-on-the-Wall 

Fri. 10 Sep: Heddon-on-the-Wall to Chollerford
 
 Sat.  11 Sep:  Chollerford to Gilsland 

Sun. 12 Sep: Gilsland to Carlisle  

Mon. 13 Sep: Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway  

This is the first of a series of episodes this month discussing suicide.
If you have strong feelings that you do not want to live anymore or if you have been bereaved by suicide, please use one of the following ways to find someone to listen to you and for you to talk to someone. They can help you.

Your GP can help you:
Ring the surgery for an out of hours telephone number

Text SHOUT to 85258
https://giveusashout.org/about-us/about-shout/

Samaritans: 0845 7909090

24 hour helpline support for those experiencing distress, despair and/or suicidal feelings

LGBT Foundation:  – 0845 3 30 30 30 or 0161 235 8035 (10am-10pm, daily)
 Helpline run by Lesbian and gay health charity. Email: [email protected]

Hopeline UK  https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
Support for under 35’s at risk of suicide  0800 068 4141

If U Care Share Foundation
We know that life can be tough sometimes and we may face difficult times, if you have been bereaved, affected or are thinking of suicide yourself then please do reach out for help and support.

Talk to us...
 
 https://www.ifucareshare.co.uk/
 Tel: 0191 387 5661

Crisis Messenger
If you are worried about something, talk to our trained volunteers with our free, confidential and 24/7 text service. Text IUCS to 85258

Please contact A Big Mouthful with any feedback, requests, suggestions or to be involved in an episode.
 
 Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @Mouthfulbig

Instagram: a_big_mouthful

YouTube: A Big Mouthful

To donate to my sponsored walk:
All proceeds are going directly to If U Care Share.
 What I need you to do.

Firstly, dig deep into your pockets and sponsor me with as much as you can spare and please get everyone you know to dig deep too.

You can only donate directly to If U Care Share from this link in the show notes and Twitter. https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/abigmouthful

If you would like to join me on any part of the walk, email me and let me know. 
 You would be very welcome. 
 Here is my itinerary.

Thu. 9 Sep: 

Wallsend to Heddon-on-the-Wall 

Fri. 10 Sep: 

Heddon-on-the-Wall to Chollerford
 
 Sat.  11 Sep: 

Chollerford to Gilsland 

Sun. 12 Sep: 

Gilsland to Carlisle  

Mon. 13 Sep: 

Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway  

Helen and I discuss Trauma, how it manifests itself, how it affects us physically and psychologically and what we can do to help overcome traumatic experiences.

Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape or natural disaster. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea.

Your GP can help you:
Ring the surgery for an out of hours telephone number

Text SHOUT to 85258
https://giveusashout.org/about-us/about-shout/

Samaritans: 0845 7909090

24 hour helpline support for those experiencing distress, despair and/or suicidal feelings

LGBT Foundation:  – 0845 3 30 30 30 or 0161 235 8035 (10am-10pm, daily)
Helpline run by Lesbian and gay health charity. Email: [email protected]

If U Care Share Foundation
We know that life can be tough sometimes and we may face difficult times, if you have been bereaved, affected or are thinking of suicide yourself then please do reach out for help and support.

Talk to us...

https://www.ifucareshare.co.uk/
Tel: 0191 387 5661

Gives information about mental health support for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer or questioning (LGBTIQ+). 
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/lgbtiqplus-mental-health/about-lgbtiqplus-mental-health/

https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/October-2020/7-Tools-for-Managing-Traumatic-Stress

https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/problems-disorders/coping-after-a-traumatic-event

https://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/news/the-national-trauma-training-programme-nttp/

https://www.thescienceofpsychotherapy.com/the-dream-completion-technique/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/night-terrors/

https://www.psychologytools.com/professional/mechanisms/avoidance/

https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-reduce-your-panic-related-avoidance-behaviors-2584148

Please contact A Big Mouthful with any feedback, requests, suggestions or to be involved in an episode.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @Mouthfulbig

Instagram: a_big_mouthful

YouTube: A Big Mouthful

To donate to my sponsored walk:
What I need you to do.

Firstly, dig deep into your pockets and sponsor me with as much as you can spare and please get everyone you know to dig deep too.

You can only donate directly to If You care Share from this link in the show notes and Twitter. https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/abigmouthful

If you would like to join me on any part of that journey, email me and let me know. 
You would be very welcome. 
Here is my itinerary.

Thu. 9 Sep: 

Wallsend to Heddon-on-the-Wall 

Fri. 10 Sep: 

Heddon-on-the-Wall to Chollerford

Sat.  11 Sep: 

Chollerford to Gilsland 

Sun. 12 Sep: 

Gilsland to Carlisle  

Mon. 13 Sep: 

Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway  

In this episode I have a chat with Dominic Arnall Chief Executive of Just Like Us.

Just Like Us is the LGBT+ young people's charity. We were founded five years ago for a simple reason: growing up LGBT+ is still unacceptably tough.
https://www.justlikeus.org/
I read the Article LGBT+ young people in North East are the loneliest in England and had to have a chat.
https://www.justlikeus.org/single-post/lgbt-young-people-in-north-east-are-loneliest-in-england

Please contact A Big Mouthful with any feedback, requests, suggestions or to be involved in an episode.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @Mouthfulbig

Instagram: a_big_mouthful

YouTube: A Big Mouthful

Phone and website contacts:

Places that can help you if you feel distressed:

Your GP can help you:
Ring the surgery for an out of hours telephone number

Samaritans: 0845 7909090
24 hour helpline support for those experiencing distress, despair and/or suicidal feelings

Text SHOUT to 85258
https://giveusashout.org/about-us/about-shout/

The Proud Trust
Is a life saving and life enhancing organisation that helps LGBT+ young people empower themselves, to make a positive change for themselves, and their communities. We do this through youth groups, coordinating national and regional LGBT+ youth work networks, managing the LGBT+ Centre for Manchester, delivering of training, running events and campaigns, undertaking research and creating resources.

https://www.theproudtrust.org/for-young-people/advice-and-support/


LGBT Foundation:  – 0845 3 30 30 30 or 0161 235 8035 (10am-10pm, daily)
Helpline run by Lesbian and gay health charity. Email: [email protected]

LifeSIGNS – Self-Injury Guidance & Network Support: Ideas and guidance for anyone affected by self-injury. Small charity run by LGB people with personal experience of self-injury. Anonymous Support Forum, clear fact-sheets, and active across social networks e.g. @LifeSIGNS

Childline: 0800 1111

Free, 24-hour helpline for children and young people in trouble or danger. If the lines are busy, please keep trying

Allsorts: – 01273 72 12 11Free helpline, 10am-5pm, Monday – Friday

Allsorts is charity which supports young people under 26 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or unsure (LGBTQU) of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity

Pace Youth: – 0207 700 1323
Free and confidential counselling for LGBTQ youth under 19. PACE is a LGBTQ mental health and wellbeing charity

National Lesbian and Gay Switchboard: – 0300 330 0630
Support and information for LGBQ people across the UK (10am to 11pm)

NHS Direct: – 0845 4647
This is a 24 hour support and information line