Queer Minds Movement Sessions: Self-Defence

Queer Minds hosts monthly movement sessions on the 3rd Monday of every month from 6-8pm, and we’re excited to be collaborating with Bender Defenders for our next three sessions – Self Defence!

You are welcome to sign up to one, two, or all three sessions:

• Monday 16 March
• Monday 20 April
• Monday 18 May

Come and learn the basics of self-defence with Bender Defenders. What to expect:

• A short briefing on the law surrounding self-defence
• A warm up involving some games and exercises to raise your heart rate
• You will learn some physical techniques for self-defence and have the chance to practise them
• We will discuss de-escalation and practise some techniques around this
• We will practice with some more physical moves!
• Ending with a breathing exercise and closing circle

Please wear clothes you can comfortably move in and bring some water. If you have any access needs, health conditions or injuries, please let us know on the registration form and/or let the facilitators know before the workshop starts.

Bender Defenders ethos

Bender Defenders take a holistic view of self-defence, remembering that keeping people safe means more than avoiding danger in the moment – it means creating community systems to heal from the harm hate crime causes in the long term.

We approach self-defence from a compassionate, trauma-informed and community-led perspective. We teach participants simple, effective strategies for using physical force to keep themselves safe.

We believe that queer and trans people already have a wide range of self-defence skills to draw upon, and we encourage participants to collaborate with trainers in sharing these skills, enabling them to feel more confident and empowered when they use them.

About Queer Minds

Queer Minds is a peer support group for LGBTQIA+ people (aged 18+) who live, work or play in Lambeth and Southwark. This group is by us, for us and is for those who are looking to connect with others and get support for their mental health. We currently run two monthly peer support groups, a trans drop-in group, and various workshops and activities with partner organisations. You can find more information about the group on the Queer Minds website: selmind.org.uk/queermindsls or Instagram @queermindslondon.

Accessibility at the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre

The Centre’s accessibility statement is here.

Covid safety at the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre

To keep our community safe, we ask that all visitors do not visit the centre if they are feeling any Covid-19 symptoms including a headache, fever, sore throat, consistent cough and chills.

You can wear a mask if you feel more comfortable. We also have masks and hand sanitiser available at the Centre.

For current information on Covid please visit the NHS website.

Donate to the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre

We rely on donations to ensure that the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre can keep its doors open for years to come.

To donate or become a Friend of the Centre, visit our website.