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The Hive Kirkcaldy: Championing peer support & community strength

A beacon for peer-led suicide prevention in LGBTQIA+ communities, showing how grassroots organisations can lead with compassion and creativity.

Community-led organisations are creating essential spaces where marginalised groups can access peer support. These grassroots initiatives demonstrate how peer support can address the specific needs of communities facing higher suicide risk.

Peer Support in Action

The Hive in Kirkcaldy is a vibrant LGBTQIA+ community hub. It creates spaces where everyone can connect, share experiences and feel seen and supported. Their peer support groups offer hope, build confidence and reduce isolation. They also provide other innovative services including a fully equipped gym, community fridge and pantry and a clothing bank.

Since LGBTQIA+ communities face higher suicide risk due to marginalisation, discrimination and social stigma, The Hive’s work is vital. Creating Hope with Peer Support first connected with The Hive at a Fife learning and networking event in Cupar. Their Operations Manager, Lindsey Williamson, was presenting. Since then, the partnership has flourished.

Together, we co-delivered a workshop highlighting peer support for LGBTQIA+ communities at the Creating Hope Together national conference. The workshop explored peer support’s meaningful role in preventing suicide within the LGBTQIA+ community. Dispelling misconceptions and building better understanding of what makes peer support unique and impactful.

The Hive also contributed to a film collaboration with Creating Hope with Peer Support, Suicide Prevention Scotland, LATNEM Peer Support (for mums and birthing people), and Men United. This short film showcases peer support’s crucial role in preventing suicide for everyone.

Marginalised communities often have a far lower level of trust in accessing services through mainstream avenues for several reasons, our aim, at The Hive, is to provide a safe and affirmative place for people to come, feel heard and get the support they need quickly. We know the importance of early intervention and how many lives can be saved by having access to support immediately. We continue to develop our peer support programme with new groups being added.

Lindsey Williamson, Operations Manager

The Hive team champions peer support. Ensuring it stays visible, valued and celebrated. By creating and holding spaces where people can be heard, supported and connected, The Hive shows how peer support can transform lives and nurture hope. The Hive’s dedication highlights the power of peer-led, community-focused suicide prevention.

Their skill, commitment and inclusive approach inspire others and prove that meaningful change is possible when communities are empowered to lead, support one another and create environments where everyone can thrive.

This example of Peer Support in Action is taken from the Creating Hope with Peer Support report.