In a time when LGBTQ+ rights face increasing challenges, one woman in Hillingdon is taking a stand. Rachel Hepburn, a mental health social worker and LGBTQ+ champion for Hillingdon Council, has launched Pride Hub, a voluntary service offering support and advice to the borough's LGBTQ+ community.
Hepburn was inspired to create Pride Hub after establishing a successful LGBTQ+ staff group within the council. Realizing there were limited resources for residents, she set out to create a safe, accessible space where individuals could find support, advice, and community.
She sought an inclusive venue and found that local libraries were ideal, offering accessibility for young people and others across the borough.
"If someone identifies as LGBTQ+ but prefers anonymity, they can visit a Pride Hub session at another library in the borough," explains Hepburn.
With support from local libraries, Pride Hub hosts sessions across Hillingdon. The first session was held on January 25th at Uxbridge Library, with future sessions planned in Ruislip Manor, Harefield, Yeading, and Yiewsley throughout 2025. Each session offers appointments, drop-in hours, and follow-up emails for continued support.
Pride Hub provides a vital lifeline for individuals struggling with their identity, facing discrimination, or seeking a safe space to connect with others. Hepburn highlights the importance of a trusted support network and encourages those feeling overwhelmed to seek mental health advice.
"The news is always there," she says, recognizing the anxiety from recent global events. "But having a support network—people you trust and can be your authentic self with—makes all the difference."
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Hepburn brings a wealth of knowledge, including access to London-wide and UK-wide resources.
"I'm no expert in LGBTQ+ issues, but I have my lived experience," she says. "If I don't know something, I'll find out, so you won't leave here empty-handed."
Pride Hub also supports parents of LGBTQ+ children. Drawing from her experiences, Hepburn offers reassurance and practical advice.
"There's no perfect way to parent," she says. "It's okay to make mistakes. Acknowledge them, apologize, and learn from them."
While Hepburn has faced some community pushback, the overall response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many recognize the vital need for such a service in Hillingdon.
"I wish I had something like this when I was younger," Hepburn reflects. "As a little gay kid, I would have loved a place to be myself, chat, and get the support I needed."
Pride Hub is more than a support service—it is a beacon of resilience and strength for the LGBTQ+ community in Hillingdon. It offers a space where individuals can find acceptance, understanding, and hope.
To learn more about Pride Hub and access their services, visit Pride Hub Hillingdon.
Important: Complete and send both forms to be contacted. Email your forms to: pridehubhillingdon@gmail.com
Future Dates (10am - 4pm):
Ruislip Manor: 31st May, 27th September, 29th November
Harefield: 29th March, 26th April
Yeading: 28th June, 12th July
Yiewsley: 22nd February, 2nd August, 4th October, 6th December
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