• SUPPORT
    • Online Support
      • Wellbeing Support
    • Counselling
      • Counselling
      • Domestic Abuse Counselling
    • Antidote: Drugs & Alcohol Support
      • Antidote Home Care
      • Antidote Drop Ins
      • The Antidote Social
      • Axis – Satellite Clinic
      • 1-1 Keyworking
      • Real Chemistry
        • Real Chemistry Sunday Sessions
        • Real Chemistry Online Workshops
        • Real Chemistry For Professionals
      • SWAP
      • Chemcheck
      • For Women
      • Friends & Family Chemsex
      • Drugs
        • Alcohol
        • Crystal Meth
        • G (GHB/GBL)
        • Steroids
        • Mephedrone
        • Cannabis
        • Cocaine
        • Ketamine
        • Other Drugs
        • Safer Injecting Practices
    • Social Support Groups
      • London Friend Groups
      • External Groups
      • Calendar
    • Sexual Health
      • SASH
      • Rise
      • Code
      • Axis
      • CliniQ
      • Self Help
    • Refugees & Asylum Seekers
    • Helplines
  • Info & Advice
    • Mental Health
    • Coming Out
    • Hate Crime Support
    • Chemsex
      • Chemsex and the Coronavirus Lockdown
      • What is Chemsex
      • Chemsex Support
      • Before and During Chemsex Sessions
      • Chemsex and Mental Health
      • Chemsex and Consent
      • Chemsex and Sexual Health
    • Drugs
      • Alcohol
      • Crystal Meth
      • G (GHB/GBL)
      • Steroids
      • Mephedrone
      • Cannabis
      • Cocaine
      • Ketamine
      • Other Drugs
      • Safer Injecting Practices
    • Apps & Safety
    • Friends & Family General
    • Friends & Family Chemsex
  • VOLUNTEERING
    • Volunteer
    • Volunteer Counsellor
    • Volunteer UX Designer
    • Volunteer Media Officer
    • Volunteer Supervisors
    • Trustee
Menu
  • SUPPORT
    • Online Support
      • Wellbeing Support
    • Counselling
      • Counselling
      • Domestic Abuse Counselling
    • Antidote: Drugs & Alcohol Support
      • Antidote Home Care
      • Antidote Drop Ins
      • The Antidote Social
      • Axis – Satellite Clinic
      • 1-1 Keyworking
      • Real Chemistry
        • Real Chemistry Sunday Sessions
        • Real Chemistry Online Workshops
        • Real Chemistry For Professionals
      • SWAP
      • Chemcheck
      • For Women
      • Friends & Family Chemsex
      • Drugs
        • Alcohol
        • Crystal Meth
        • G (GHB/GBL)
        • Steroids
        • Mephedrone
        • Cannabis
        • Cocaine
        • Ketamine
        • Other Drugs
        • Safer Injecting Practices
    • Social Support Groups
      • London Friend Groups
      • External Groups
      • Calendar
    • Sexual Health
      • SASH
      • Rise
      • Code
      • Axis
      • CliniQ
      • Self Help
    • Refugees & Asylum Seekers
    • Helplines
  • Info & Advice
    • Mental Health
    • Coming Out
    • Hate Crime Support
    • Chemsex
      • Chemsex and the Coronavirus Lockdown
      • What is Chemsex
      • Chemsex Support
      • Before and During Chemsex Sessions
      • Chemsex and Mental Health
      • Chemsex and Consent
      • Chemsex and Sexual Health
    • Drugs
      • Alcohol
      • Crystal Meth
      • G (GHB/GBL)
      • Steroids
      • Mephedrone
      • Cannabis
      • Cocaine
      • Ketamine
      • Other Drugs
      • Safer Injecting Practices
    • Apps & Safety
    • Friends & Family General
    • Friends & Family Chemsex
  • VOLUNTEERING
    • Volunteer
    • Volunteer Counsellor
    • Volunteer UX Designer
    • Volunteer Media Officer
    • Volunteer Supervisors
    • Trustee
  • WE’RE 50!
    • 50 years of LGBTQ+ support
    • 50 LGBTQ+ Londoners
      • Dugan Cummings
      • Laura Willoughby MBE
      • Meg-John Barker
      • Dan Vo
      • Matthew Hodson
      • Kate Martin
      • Richard Desmond
      • Revd Jide Macaulay
      • Jane Chance Czyzselska
      • Lord Michael Cashman CBE
      • Michelle Ross
      • Professor Kevin Fenton
      • Aisha Mirza
      • Angela Gibson
      • Lisa Power
      • DJ Ritu
      • Mzz Kimberley
      • Marc Thompson
      • Aloysius Ssali
      • Rita Mcloughlin
      • Michael Blyth
      • Carla Ecola
    • 50th Birthday Events
      • Queers without Beers celebrates 50 years of London Friend
      • Meet The Community: London Friend
    • Submit Your Story
  • DONATIONS
    • Donate Now
    • Fundraising
    • Amazon Smile
    • Drugstars App
    • Facebook
  • PROFESSIONALS
    • Training
      • Improving LGBT Competence
      • Developing Trans Competence
      • Working with Chemsex
      • Developing an LGBT Support Strategy
      • Healthy LGBT Lives
      • Our Trainers
    • Healthcare Professionals
    • Partnerships
    • LGBT Resources
  • ABOUT
    • Meet Our Team
    • Meet Our Trustees
    • News
    • Blog
    • Media
      • Videos
      • Podcasts
    • Statement on Trans Rights
    • Monty’s Thoughts
    • Jobs
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Testimonials
    • Funders & Supporters
    • Awards
    • Timeline
    • Safer Spaces Policy
    • Covid-19 Safety Regulations
    • Privacy & Data Policy
Menu
  • WE’RE 50!
    • 50 years of LGBTQ+ support
    • 50 LGBTQ+ Londoners
      • Dugan Cummings
      • Laura Willoughby MBE
      • Meg-John Barker
      • Dan Vo
      • Matthew Hodson
      • Kate Martin
      • Richard Desmond
      • Revd Jide Macaulay
      • Jane Chance Czyzselska
      • Lord Michael Cashman CBE
      • Michelle Ross
      • Professor Kevin Fenton
      • Aisha Mirza
      • Angela Gibson
      • Lisa Power
      • DJ Ritu
      • Mzz Kimberley
      • Marc Thompson
      • Aloysius Ssali
      • Rita Mcloughlin
      • Michael Blyth
      • Carla Ecola
    • 50th Birthday Events
      • Queers without Beers celebrates 50 years of London Friend
      • Meet The Community: London Friend
    • Submit Your Story
  • DONATIONS
    • Donate Now
    • Fundraising
    • Amazon Smile
    • Drugstars App
    • Facebook
  • PROFESSIONALS
    • Training
      • Improving LGBT Competence
      • Developing Trans Competence
      • Working with Chemsex
      • Developing an LGBT Support Strategy
      • Healthy LGBT Lives
      • Our Trainers
    • Healthcare Professionals
    • Partnerships
    • LGBT Resources
  • ABOUT
    • Meet Our Team
    • Meet Our Trustees
    • News
    • Blog
    • Media
      • Videos
      • Podcasts
    • Statement on Trans Rights
    • Monty’s Thoughts
    • Jobs
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Testimonials
    • Funders & Supporters
    • Awards
    • Timeline
    • Safer Spaces Policy
    • Covid-19 Safety Regulations
    • Privacy & Data Policy
Menu
  • SUPPORT
    • Online Support
      • Wellbeing Support
    • Counselling
      • Counselling
      • Domestic Abuse Counselling
    • Antidote: Drugs & Alcohol Support
      • Antidote Home Care
      • Antidote Drop Ins
      • The Antidote Social
      • 1-1 Keyworking
      • Real Chemistry
      • SWAP
      • Chemcheck
      • For Women
      • Friends & Family Chemsex
      • Drugs
        • Alcohol
        • Crystal Meth
        • G (GHB/GBL)
        • Steroids
        • Mephedrone
        • Cannabis
        • Cocaine
        • Ketamine
        • Other Drugs
        • Safer Injecting Practices
    • Social Support Groups
      • London Friend Groups
      • External Groups
      • Calendar
    • Sexual Health
      • SASH
      • Rise
      • Code
      • Axis
      • CliniQ
      • Self Help
    • Refugees & Asylum Seekers
    • Helplines
  • INFO & ADVICE
    • LGBT+ History Month 2021
    • Mental Health
    • Coming Out
    • Hate Crime Support
    • Chemsex
      • Chemsex and the Coronavirus
      • What is Chemsex
      • Chemsex Support
      • Before and During Chemsex Sessions
      • Chemsex and Mental Health
      • Chemsex and Consent
      • Chemsex and Sexual Health
    • Drugs
      • Alcohol
      • Crystal Meth
      • G (GHB/GBL)
      • Steroids
      • Mephedrone
      • Cannabis
      • Cocaine
      • Ketamine
      • Other Drugs
      • Safer Injecting Practices
    • Apps & Safety
    • Friends & Family General
    • Friends & Family Chemsex
  • VOLUNTEERING
    • Volunteer
    • Volunteer Counsellor
    • Volunteer Supervisors
    • Trustee
  • WE’RE 50!
    • 50 years of LGBTQ+ support
    • 50 LGBTQ+ Londoners
      • Dugan Cummings
      • Laura Willoughby MBE
      • Meg-John Barker
      • Marc Thompson
      • Aloysius Ssali
      • Mzz Kimberley
      • Lisa Power
      • DJ Ritu
      • Angela Gibson
      • Aisha Mirza
      • Kate Martin
      • Professor Kevin Fenton
      • Michelle Ross
      • Lord Michael Cashman CBE
      • Jane Chance Czyzselska
      • Revd Jide Macaulay
      • Richard Desmond
      • Rita Mcloughlin
    • 50th Birthday Events
      • Queers without Beers celebrates 50 years of London Friend
    • Submit Your Story
  • DONATIONS
    • Donate Now
    • 2.6 Challenge (Covid-19)
    • Fundraising
    • Amazon Smile
    • Drugstars App
    • Facebook
  • PROFESSIONALS
    • Training
      • Improving LGBT Competence
      • Developing Trans Competence
      • Working with Chemsex
      • Developing an LGBT Support Strategy
      • Healthy LGBT Lives
      • Our Trainers
    • Healthcare Professionals
    • Partnerships
    • LGBT Resources
  • ABOUT
    • News
    • Blog
    • Meet Our Team
      • Meet Our Trustees
    • Media
      • Videos
      • Podcasts
    • Statement on Trans Rights
    • Monty’s Thoughts
    • Testimonials
    • Funders & Supporters
    • Awards
    • Timeline
    • Jobs
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Safer Spaces Policy
    • Covid-19 Safety Regulations
    • Privacy & Data Policy
CONTACT

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic we are still working partially online.
Click here for the latest information about our services and to contact us.

Meet Our Team

Hi there! At London Friend we’re a small staff team, supported by a large group of skilled and reliable volunteers, who are all trained to offer judgement-free help and support in a range of areas. Scroll down to learn more about us and meet the faces behind the services we provide.

Want to get involved? Sign up to become a London Friend volunteer today.

Monty Moncrieff (he/him)

Role: Chief Executive

About: I’ve been working at London Friend since 2011 and have been the Chief Executive since 2012, but I’ve been working and volunteering in the LGBT sector since 1996. I spent almost 10 years as a helpline volunteer with Switchboard then in 2002 established Antidote, the LGBT drug and alcohol service that we now manage at London Friend. Outside of work I’m mildly obsessed with the Eurovision Song Contest, and co-host Second Cherry – almost a Eurovision podcast (content warning = super-niche geekery).

Mental health top tip: As a Chief Executive it can be difficult to maintain work boundaries as you need to be available to respond to almost anything at any time but having outside interests and projects help me with this. It’s important to be able to immerse myself into an entirely different environment which helps me balance my work commitments. Trying and learning new things is also really helpful.

Toni (they/she)

Role: Antidote Drug and Alcohol Services Manager & Person Centred Counsellor BA Hons, BACP Accr.

About: Hobbies and tips for mental health are the same: yoga, mindful walks and nature, and creative writing.

 

 

 

 

José (he/him)

Role: Counselling Service Coordinator

About: I have a 20 year history with London Friend, as a client, Group Facilitator and Counsellor.  I have been a counsellor since 2016 and a Member of the BACP. I have been the Counselling Coordinator since March 2022.  I love travelling and getting out of the city.

Mental health top tip: Meditation is great for me

 

 

Daniel D. Reimer (he/him)

Role: Volunteer Coordinator

About: I have been with London Friend since 2015 and really love all the work we do, but also generally the cooperative spirit between various LGBT+ charities in London. Personally, I love travel specifically combining it with visiting foreign Prides whenever possible. I’m a big movie, video games, music/vinyl, politics and science buff. I also enjoy a good time in London’s gay scene and have been known to shake a leg or two on various dance floors.

Mental health top tip: I guess the basics are exercise, nutrition, sleep and authentic social interactions. The rest is figuring out the things which work for you as there is no one size fits all approach. Counselling can help with that. Generally, don’t be afraid to ask for help and support, there is tons out there!

Sarah (they/she)

Role: Health and Wellbeing Administrator and Monitoring Officer

About: I’ve been with London Friend since May 2021 and love this charity to bits! My favourite part of the job has to be meeting all of our fabulous volunteers in the office and hearing about all the wonderful work they do. As for myself, my favourite things to do are climbing and volunteering for other amazing LGBTQ+ organisations.

Mental health top tip: Take time to focus on yourself and nurture your soul! Whether that’s knitting, watching a TV show, doing some yoga, or attending counselling/therapy. Put yourself first!

Krasimira (she/her)

Role: Communications Officer

About: I have been appointed as the first-ever Comms Officer at London Friend in June 2021. Since I had the privilege to be working alongside London Friend's brilliant volunteers and team members to design and develop activities to commemorate the UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity’s 50th anniversary.

My background is in Marketing & Communications with an expansive work and volunteer experience in  media relations, content production, campaigning, relationship management and project planning. I have also enjoyed numerous volunteering roles in the charitable sector and worked on community projects and social enterprises as a fundraiser, event planner, social media consultant, researcher, and gallery assistant.

I'm energized by the power of storytelling to foster meaningful connections and a sense of belonging, change the narrative and challenge prejudices. I’m passionate about social justice and inclusion, mental health awareness, clean air, and sustainable solutions to protect wildlife and nature.

Mental health top tip: Take a moment to centre yourself, take a deep breath, take a sip of water, go for a brisk walk.  Be kind and gentle to yourself, respect your body’s needs and listen to its messages. Give back to your community and practice gratitude.  You're not alone, there is a wonderful LGBTQ+ community out there where you would be celebrated and seen.

You can usually find me relaxing with a book or listening to eclectic music and podcasts.  My favourite pastime is long nature walks, visiting museums, live gigs, cycling, wild swimming and travelling off the beaten track.

For media/fundraising enquiries, you can reach Krasimira at krasimira@londonfriend.org.uk.

Jaye (she/they)

Role: Domestic Abuse Counsellor & Senior LGBT Counsellor

About: I have worked at London Friend since May 2019, and love being part of our team. I work as a counsellor with people who have experienced domestic abuse. I have recently joined the general counselling service too, as a Senior counsellor, and in both roles I offer the options of online, and face to face counselling services.

Mental health top tip: Getting out in nature it possible, & if you don’t live near to a green area, get some house plants for flat mates.If neither of the above are possible, watching a programme on nature / listening to David Attenborough’s voice always has a soothing effect on me.

Julian (he/him)

Role: Antidote Recovery Worker (DAWS Partnership)

About: My journey with London Friend began when I became a volunteer for Antidote 2 years ago. I wanted to be more involved with supporting our LGBTQ+ community in London. Since them I have taken up an exciting new partnership role as an LGBTQ+ recovery worker for Antidote and Turning Point.

Mental health top tip: My mental health tips are, get out and connect with our beautiful Queer community, go watch a play or visit an exhibition. There is so much to do in London and more Queer spaces are opening. On days you don’t feel like being social, go for a walk, connect with nature and try to be present. Practicing how to be at one with ourselves can take time so be kind to yourself ❤

Euan (he/him)

Role: Antidote Criminal Justice Recovery Worker (City and Hackney Recovery Partnership)

About: I have been with London friend as a volunteer for over a year and as a team member for 7 months. I have been in a supporting role for over 10 years and just recently moved into drug and alcohol support. I like rock climbing, cooking and cycling.

Mental health top tip: Read queer books.

 

Paddy (he/him)

Role: Antidote Recovery Worker (City and Hackney Recovery Partnership)

About: I have been with London Friend since January 2022, but have been working with vulnerable people in a number of secure/community settings for 8 years. In my spare time I enjoy running, playing tennis, playing Xbox and seeing friends.

Mental health top tip: My tip is to always have something in the diary to look forward to! Also, being in personal therapy.

 

Yvette (she/they)

Role: Antidote Recovery Worker (City and Hackney Recovery Partnership)

About: I have been working with London Friend since Feb 2022, but have been working in mental health and substance use for the past 5 years. In my spare time I enjoy basketball, skating, and photography.

Mental health top tip: Listening to music and going to gigs

 

Angela

Role: Lead Antidote Volunteer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dawn (she/her)

Role: Counsellor, SASH Partnership

About: I'm a counsellor with the SASH partnership. I was a volunteer counsellor with London Friend for many years. My background is working in the NHS in sexual health and HIV services.

Mental health top tip: get out into nature and use your senses to connect to the natural world. It really helps us to feel calmer and more alive.

Lee

Role: Sexual Health and Wellbeing Coach, SASH Partnership

Max

Role: Sexual Health and Wellbeing Coach, SASH Partnership

Click here to find out more about our trustees.

You can contact our fabulous team through our office email address: office@londonfriend.org.uk.

 

"I am the happiest I remember being in a long time thanks to London Friend."
Counselling Service User
"Antidote gave me structure, focus and support."
Antidote Service User
"What I really like about LF is its dedication to helping older LGBT people."
Support Group User
"London Friend offers so much to the LGBT community in a way that differs from other organisations."
Counselling Service User
"Everyone I have met there so far has been very welcoming, helpful and empathetic."
Support Group User
"We need a space to be open whether gay, lesbian, bi or trans. Friend's social and sharing groups give me that chance."
Support Group User
"Volunteering at London Friend allows me to do lots of things."
London Friend Volunteer
"If it weren't for Antidote I know that I would either be dead or in prison."
Antidote Service User
"London Friend creates a very friendly and equal environment for all LGBT people."
Counselling Service User
"London Friend are not afraid to really stand up and fight for the well-being of our community."
Service User
"The groups at London Friend are great" Interesting informative and fun."
Support Group Service User

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