Services for Gay and Bisexual Men

MESMAC works with gay and bisexual men throughout the region, to increase the range of choices open to them. MESMAC have offices in Newcastle and Middlesbrough.

MESMAC Services are:

Open to gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men, and men who are questioning their sexuality.
For men who are HIV positive, HIV negative or just don't know whether they have HIV or not.
Confidential

One-to-one support and counselling

MESMAC offer men the opportunity to talk informally to workers about issues or problems they are facing. They also offer men the chance to talk to a qualified counsellor about issues that are concerning them. This happens in a safe, supportive and confidential setting, and can continue for six weeks or longer.

Phone information and advice

They offer the chance to talk about things like coming out, relationships, police and legal issues, being married and being bullied and harassed. Call MESMAC for all kinds of information, such as how to meet other men, the gay scene or safer sex. You can contact MESMAC via email, or visit their website. They hold a range of leaflets, videos and books on various gay and bisexual issues for reference, and provide copies of the free gay press.

Groups

MESMAC both run groups and helps to run various groups. Below is a brief description of such services. Further information on the groups mentioned is available by phone or visit www.mesmacnortheeast.com

Northumberland

GBN is a men's group that meets in Morpeth every two weeks
Berwick drop-in meets in Berwick on the first Saturday every month for lesbian, gay and bisexual people
Tynedale Drop-in meets in Hexham on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month for lesbian, gay and bisexual people

Newcastle

G.A.P. A group for gay and bisexual young men 16-19 every Tuesday
Junior G.A.P. A group for 13-16 boys and young men every Monday
Young person's drop-in on Monday afternoons

MESMAC also support GMT a gay and bisexual men's group, which meets 7-10pm on Wednesdays. NEOLN for older lesbians, Women4Women lesbian and bisexual women's group, Cross + Roads transgender group, and others.

MESMAC aim to provide new groups to improve provision for HIV+ gay and bisexual men, and also men from black and ethnic minority communities.

Teesside

T-sides Out. A gay and bisexual men's group meets on Thursdays 7-9pm.

Young gay and bisexual men's group is a weekly group for 16-25, which meets on Tuesdays 7-9pm.

MESMAC also support Rosie's Closet, a local lesbian and bisexual women's group, and host consultation groups with the local police.

Sexual Health Advice and Free Condoms and Lube

MESMAC offer advice about all aspects of sexual health, either by phone, Minicom, Internet, in person or by sending you leaflets. You can get free condoms and lube from their offices, through the post (if you can't access them directly), or in the gay bars, clubs and saunas in Newcastle and Teesside.

General Support

MESMAC was established in 1990 to focus on sexual health. This is done by using a "Community Development" approach, which means that they are able to offer more general support and advice about almost anything you might want to talk about, or want help with.

Useful Contacts

North East Gay Switchboard

Confidential Lesbian, gay and bisexual help-line offering information and advice.

Tel: (0191) 261 8555
Monday - Thursday 7-10pm

GUM Clinics

For consultation about your sexual health

North Tyneside	(0191) 291 6610
Newcastle	(0191) 219 5011 / 5013
South Tyneside	(0191) 451 6104
Sunderland	(0191) 569 2021 / 2022
Durham	(0191) 386 2428
Darlington	01325 743203
Middlesbrough	01642 854548
Stockton	01642 624400
Hartlepool	01429 266654 Extn. 2577

National AIDS Helpline

Tel: 0800 567123 (open 24 Hours)
Minicom
Tel: 0800 521361 (10am - 10pm)
All calls are free.

MESMAC North East

For further information mentioned in this section of the site:

Newcastle:

Tel: (0191) 233 1333 (24 hour answer phone available)
Minicom: (0191) 233 2112
Fax: (0191) 233 1551
Email: a1ll@mesmacnortheast.com
Web: www.mesmacnortheast.com

Teesside:

Tel: (01642) 804400 (24 hour answer phone available)
Minicom: 01642 732392
Fax: 01642 809800
Email: enquiries@mesmacteeside.co.uk
Web: www.mesmacnortheast.com