Dedicated to serving all LGBTQ+ individuals, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive space for you to find your community
USeful Info
Contact Details
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Parking is available on the street for a maximum of 30 mins between 8am and 6pm or anytime outside of those hours. Parking is also available in Greyfriars paid for car park just up the hill to the right. Note that it is a cash only car park.
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The OutHouse
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19 East Hill, Colchester, Essex. CO1 2QX
Upstairs Access
We have a through floor lift inside the building, suitable for one wheelchair user.
Facilities
We have an accessible bathroom upstairs fitted with grab rails. The bathroom can comfortably accommodate a wheelchair user and carer.
Accessibility
We have step free access to all parts of our building. For assisted access please proceed to the rear of the building and press the buzzer, a volunteer or member of staff will come and turn on our outdoor lift on for your use.
Assistance Dogs Welcome
If possible please contact us so we can ensure you and your companion have everything you require.
Our Values
Who Are We
The OutHouse is registered as a charitable incorporated organisation in England & Wales, Charity Commission no. 1204555, providing opportunities for LGBTQ+ people throughout Essex. We work to support LGBTQ+ individuals to find their community and achieve their full potential. Acting as a rounded resource of support, our services extend to the following core areas:
Community Engagement – Recognising the various mental, emotional and social needs relating to bettering an individual’s health and wellbeing, whether it be for adults or young people and their support networks.
Counselling – Providing an accessible Counselling Service of utmost confidentiality and understanding around the nuances of the community; available to both adults and young people.
Training – Offering bespoke training for individuals and businesses to establish safe spaces though awareness and understanding.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to provide and advocate for safe and inclusive spaces for everyone from the LGBTQ+ community.
Our Values
Equality – We believe, that everyone should have the same life chances and be treated with dignity and respect.
Diversity – We believe in embracing diversity, recognising and valuing the vast range of life experiences that enrich our vibrant community.
Innovation – We believe in identifying, creating and otherwise taking advantage of all opportunities that arise to ensure that the organisation remains fit for purpose.
Celebration – We believe in supporting and uplifting others, with the hope of encouraging individuals to proudly to celebrate themselves and embrace their identity fully.
The outhouse team
Jen Skingsley
Interim CEO
About
Hi, I’m Jen. I am helping steer The OutHouse and its activities, ensuring staff are supported in delivering high-quality services. Community is important to me, so I am very happy to be working at this wonderful charity.
Sarah Caven-Atack
Head of Finance & HR
About
Hello! My name is Sarah, and I am delighted to have joined The OutHouse team as Head of Finance & HR.
I am an accountant by training, and I have worked in commercial, and latterly in charitable organisations, leading finance and operations. I also have experience of HR – I really enjoy the variety of work.
Fern Lovett
Youth Project Manager
About
Hi I’m Fern, Youth Manager for The OutHouse. Throughout my career, I have remained continuously impressed by the Young People I’ve worked with. I’m proud to ensure each Young Person reaches their full potential.
Lindsey Middlemiss
Communities Manager
About
Hi, I’m Lindsey (they/them), Communities Manager at The OutHouse. My background is in charity management, outreach and PR and, in recent years, part-time freelancing as an editor of (often queer) books. I am delighted to be helping The OutHouse expand its services and provision across Essex to better support our local queer community.
Larina Taylor
Clinical Lead
About
I’m Larina! My professional experience and training lies within counselling/psychotherapy, education, and service delivery and management. Therapeutically, I have worked extensively with Adults and Young People from the LGBTQ+ community and I’m proud to be coordinating The OutHouse’s own Counselling Service.
Kate Lankester
Levelling Up Lead
About
Hi! I’m Kate, Lead for Trans+ Healthcare and Equality. This work reflects my passion for uplifting marginalised communities. As a Trans woman who has faced discrimination, I work within an empathic space. Through co-production, I encourage and empower communities to share their experiences and promote better health equality.
Isla Baker
Adult Wellbeing & Advocacy Lead (Maternity Cover)
About
Hey! I’m Isla, Wellbeing & Advocacy Lead for the Adults Service, leading socials and one-to-one Wellbeing sessions. I am passionate about supporting folks from marginalised communities with a background in safeguarding and wellbeing. I feel incredibly privileged to work for The OutHouse and support with the exciting Essex expansion.
Bethany Hanton
Counselling Service Administrator
About
Hi, I’m Beth, I am the Counselling Service Administrator for The Outhouse, offering administrative support to those seeking counselling, as well as our in-house counsellors. I’m proud to be working for such an important charity, championing the LGBTQ+ community.
Kristel Drummond
Youth Project Administrator
About
Hi, I’m Kristel. With over 15-years experience in HR and Recruitment, I’m thrilled to be part of such an amazing charity and to support our youth project in exciting plans for the charity’s future.
Theo Rhodes
Youth Project Intern
About
Hi I’m Theo, a queer, trans man and now intern at The OutHouse.
I studied animal care but always wanted to help people as well! I’m super excited to work with amazing LGBTQ people and honoured to learn from this role!
Bradley Clarke
Youth Work Assistant
About
Hey Butterflies, I’m Bradley, or Brad if you’re feeling “cool”.
Since starting working with the Youth Project in October 2025 we’ve been getting very creative, making dinosaurs! So it’s safe to say I love working with this creative, inspiring and, most importantly, incredibly kind bunch of people! Not to mention the fabulous team at The OutHouse too!
Sylvie Eris
Adult Services Administrator
About
Hi, I’m Sylvie (she/her). I’m the Adult Services Administrator, helping with the coordination of our adult service, including our social groups, wellbeing 1-1s, and events.
I first started attending socials here roughly 4 years ago, and I really appreciate having become a part of The OutHouse Team, helping to provide services for our local community.
Tracy Lee-Newman
Group Facilitator
About
Hi, I’m Tracy (she/they), and as a proud neuroqueer person I’m thrilled to take up the role of group facilitator for the monthly Neurodivergent social. I’m always open to ideas about activities or events the group would like to be part of so please feel free to come with suggestions.
Reuben Wilcox
LGBTQ+ Awareness Trainer
About
Hi I’m Reuben, a LGBTQ+ Awareness Trainer for The OutHouse. I’m fiercely dedicated to raising LGBTQ+ awareness and immensely proud to work alongside such passionate people. I also fly the flag high for my fellow neurodiverse community members.
Noah Alfred Pantano
LGBTQ+ Awareness Trainer
About
Hi I’m Noah (he/they), I’m a multi-award-winning queer activist, performer, and academic. I tour internationally performing my creative work and giving educational workshops. These efforts have raised over £1000+ in 2025. I was awarded runner-up for Activist of the Year at the National Queer Student Awards.
Tianna Morfett
Centre Lead (on mat leave)
About
Hello, I’m Tianna – the Centre Lead for The OutHouse! My career path has always followed a wellbeing and safeguarding nature as I feel most content when I can make an impact to people’s lives, big or small. I am beyond proud to be working for The OutHouse and love to get involved with as much as I can. You’ll see me around the Colchester centre, always happy for a cup of coffee and a chat.
The Outhouse Board Members
Lindsey Ilsley
Interim Chair
About
Hello, I’m Lindsey and proud to be a Trustee at The OutHouse. I’ve years of communications experience working with national charities to strengthen their organisation through community, celebration of diversity and good working. I’m also a Myland Community Councillor.
Steve Mannix
Trustee
About
Hi I’m Steve and proudly stand as Chairman of The OutHouse. Alongside being the current Executive Director of the Mercury Theatre, I have a wealth of experience within the Arts, charity and cultural sector – working hard in the name of creativity and diversity.
Nicola Goodchild
Trustee
About
I’m Nicola, a freelance theatre professional and former Mayoress of Colchester with both cultural and charity experience. I’m excited to help shape and support the healthy growth and development of The Outhouse for the LGBTQ+ communities locally and beyond.
Jordan Newell
Trustee
About
Hello, I’m Jordan – experienced in corporate and public affairs, whilst also serving as a Trustee of a number of local charities.
I like to think of the Board as the fairy godmothers – offering help, wisdom and occasionally granting the wishes of our hard working staff team!
Faye Edwards
Trustee
About
Hello, I’m Faye. With over a decade of experience in the education sector, I’m thrilled to be a Trustee for The OutHouse and to contribute my knowledge however possible to support the local LGBTQ+ community.
Our History
The OutHouse History
Founded in 1979, our story starts as the Colchester Gay Switchboard. Offering compassion and understanding to a community sorely in need of both, our committed founders worked hard to establish a lifeline to the isolated and alone.
With time, fundraising and the generosity of others, our services developed to what The OutHouse is now known to be today – a source of support, vibrancy, and pride. Thanks to the passion and dedication of many, the charity has grown in its intentions to ensure members of the LGBTQ+ community feel seen, heard and supported.
With each passing year, groups have been developed, memories have been made, and LGBTQ+ individuals have finally found their community. We can’t wait for you to walk through our purple door and add to The OutHouse’s rich history.
OUr Offices
About Our Office Space
Our centre on East Hill offers a variety of spaces for us to deliver a variety of social and support groups, provide counselling and even host an event or two.
Studio Space
Bursting with colour, our warm and welcoming social space acts as a hub of activity for local LGBTQ+ individuals. Featuring a diverse queer library and a fabulous rainbow sofa, the room exists as a safe space for you to connect with your community.
Counselling Rooms
Our counselling rooms offer a variety in style and feel, whilst still maintaining a calming environment and safe space for clients to feel comfortable in their sessions.
