The new partnership with the 24/7 on-demand app provides compassionate support for LGBTQ+ community
NEW YORK (Jan. 8, 2024) – SAGE, the world’s oldest and largest non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ elders, is proud to announce its partnership with HearMe, an LGBTQ+-founded company and on-demand mental wellness app that allows texting one-on-one with trained empathetic listeners offering necessary support.
SAGE x HearMe provides exclusive, 24 hours a day, 7 days a-week access to culturally competent, empathetic LGBTQ+ and allied listeners who understand their life experiences. The listeners are trained in LGBTQ+ and aging issues, and can provide users with support, understanding and connection.
The app provides a safe and inclusive space to talk with a real person when one is feeling lonely, stressed, anxious or just needs someone to talk to. Participants can choose from several topics such as: I Just Want to Talk; Friends, Family and Relationships; Emotional Support; and Physical Health and Mental Well-Being. There is no wait or scheduling, users receive instantaneous support the moment they need it and HearMe is always confidential and anonymous.
“Sometimes the most powerful tool to combat loneliness is just an understanding listener, and that’s exactly what SAGE x HearMe provides,” said Christina Da Costa, Chief Experience Officer at SAGE. “With access to this round-the-clock support and connections, our LGBTQ+ pioneers can stay connected to an empathetic community of volunteers who respect their lived experiences and understand their challenges. SAGE x HearMe is an innovative solution to ensure that LGBTQ+ elders receive the crucial assistance and meaningful connections they deserve, regardless of when or where they need it.”
Conversations with a HearMe listener can foster a sense of connection and understanding, combat loneliness, anxiety, depression, and burnout, and provide an immediate outlet during times of stress, which has been proven to reduce escalation into more serious health issues.
“The U.S. Surgeon General identifies loneliness as an epidemic in the United States, labeling it as one of the greatest crises facing our country today,” said Adam Lippin, Founder of HearMe. “So many members of the LGBTQ+ community are on the front lines of social isolation given our deep history and the immense challenges we’ve faced. We are proud to partner with SAGE to foster powerful relationships and supportive conversations to combat this epidemic through the HearMe app.”
Interested in participating? Visit sageusa.org/hearme and sign-up easily. Within the hour, users will receive an email from HearMe with instructions on how to download the app and create an account. HearMe is not a crisis hotline or for treating serious mental health issues that require a mental health professional. Those in crisis should contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by texting or calling 988 for immediate help.
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About SAGE
SAGE is the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ+) older people. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is a national organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBTQ+ older people and their caregivers. SAGE also advocates for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBTQ+ elders, provides education and technical assistance for aging providers and LGBTQ+ community organizations through its National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging, and cultural competency training through SAGECare. Learn more at sageusa.org.
About HearMe
The HearMe app connects people with shared lived experiences for emotional and mental well-being or simply to get things off their chest. HearMe is available 24/7 and members get connected in real-time to peer support listeners. Learn more at https://www.hearme.app/.
