Welcome, we are Free Mum Hugs Leicestershire. We are a non profit group that offers support, advice and love to young people and families from the LGBTQ+ community in and around Leicestershire.
We began way back in 2021 when the world was left floored by the pandemic of 2020. Our joint founders Kerry & Irena saw that lots of young people had struggled through the pandemic hiding their authentic self. Many had families that either didn’t understand or accept their gender or sexuality and some parents were reeling after a child revealed their truth. Everyone needed a hug. We were inspired to attend Leicester Pride and offer hugs and love to anyone needing it.
We couldn’t believe the amount of people who needed a hug and some positive words. We had an amazing time and vowed to do it again. So in 2022, we did.
We had an amazing day, but also a very humbling day. We met so many wonderful individuals who needed a hand to hold and a shoulder to cry on. It amazed us how many people told us that they couldn’t be open about their gender or sexuality with their family for fear of rejection from the people who claim to love them.
In 2023, we wanted to do more. So we looked at ways we could be more visible. We discovered that a town in Leicestershire was holding their first ever Pride march and celebration. It was extra special as this is the town that Kerry grew up in. She decided to take part and asked the organisers if she could set up a stand giving out Free Mum Hugs, and badges. Thats when our little pop up Hug spot was born.
During that fabulous day where we represented the LGBTQ community of Hinckley, Leicestershire, we bumped into a friend of Kerry’s from many moons ago. Months later he opened Hinckleys one and only Queer venue. Something that Kerry thought wouldnt happen during their lifetime. He offered to have Free Mum Hugs Leicestershire hold a monthly drop in session, for anyone who needed some support or wanted to socialise in a safe place. Gradually we began to realise that the group participants were families or young people who identified as LGBTQ or had family members that did so we transitioned into a family and support group. You can find us at Electric Chapel in HInckley on the first Saturday of the month. Usually with board games, snacks and most importantly, A Free Mum Hug.
2024 saw us creating a pop up shop at the 2024 Hinckley Pride, we stocked trinkets and pocket money items to fund our monthly group. We are heading to Hinckley Pride 2025 again this year, however, this year we will be hosting the Family Area with craft, a picnic area and Drag Queen Story time!