A safe space has been set up for the LGBTQ community in Kent as figures show a 27% rise in hate crimes on the grounds of sexual orientation.

The Folkestone Wellbeing Centre is giving people a chance to share their experiences, and receive advice and support in a group setting.

It is also offering "coping better" classes to help boost the confidence of LGBTQ people.

The first batch of classes were held earlier in the year, and the feedback was so strong the organisers will be running them for a second time in 2020.

Sheree Bell is the owner of the centre, and decided to put on the sessions after noticing a lack of support for people in the LGBTQ community.

She said: "LGBT people want to have a safe, confidential space where they can speak quite openly, because in general life that's not what happens."

Sheree developed a six-week course which provides people with different methods to stay mentally healthy.

She said: "The curriculum covers lots of different tools that you can use to build resilience.

"What we're saying is, instead of getting into a crisis, or developing some mental health issues that might lead you that way, try and head it off early.

"Become more resilient in the way you're coping with life. As you meet new challenges in life, you will have a toolbox of different techniques that you can pull out and use to keep you safe."

It comes after a national government LGBT survey revealed hate crimes towards people on the grounds of sexual orientation have risen by 27%.

Transgender charity The Beaumont Society also claimed people who are transgender are regularly abused or attacked on the streets of Kent.

Ria Lacey is a trans woman who decided to join the Folkestone classes after being recommended by a friend.

She said: "To come out into the world you need the courage, the similar courage as going onto a battlefield for the first time.

"Coming to a course like Sheree's helps you build that courage if you haven't already got it. And if you have already got it, it helps you to survive."

Ria said it is rare to find people like Sheree who want to provide this kind of service.

She said: "Generally it comes down to someone who is LGBT to realise the necessity of providing something.

"If someone else is doing it the general rule is it's because it's politically correct, rather than seeing a need that needs to be assessed."

LGBTQ charities have taken lengths to raise awareness of the high levels of depression that can hit people from the community,

Sarah Hagger-Holt, head of campaigns at Stonewall, said: "We know that LGBT people are more likely to struggle with their mental health, with our research finding that half of LGBT people experienced depression in the last year.

"Having local support which can improve understanding of mental health and build coping mechanisms is an important step towards building a society where everyone can be themselves."

Events organised to support the LGBTQ community have become more regular in Kent this year, including the first ever Pride celebration in Dover.

A night of punk rock celebrating queerness was also put on in the summer by Elsewhere, a record store and music venue in Margate.

Joe Nellist, from the LGBT Foundation, said: "Creating safe and accessible spaces where people are able to express themselves free from discrimination can play a fundamental role in improving wellbeing in LGBT communities.

"We know that many LGBT people attend events and groups because they are LGBT-specific.

"These spaces can provide opportunities to develop important social and support networks, allowing LGBT people to meet like-minded others."

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