The volunteers are always on hand to create a relaxed atmosphere and answer any questions about gay life, what's going on in Manchester, and the other services available through organisations like the Lesbian and Gay Foundation. Magazines and books are available and you can also borrow videos about coming out and safer sex.

Occasionally, meetings will include presentations about topics such as coming out, safer sex or dating.

In some ways, what you get out of Icebreakers is up to you. As well as being a support group, it’s a self-help group. But there is always a chance that you might not enjoy your first night. You might find yourself feeling nervous, for instance, or sitting next to someone with whom you don’t share any common interest. If that happens, please persevere and give us another go.

Meetings end at around 9.30pm, when most members and volunteers go to one of the gay pubs in the Village – the area of the city dominated by gay bars and businesses. The group always starts at Taurus on Canal Street. Often, past members go to Taurus too.

But Icebreakers isn’t just about Wednesday night meetings. It also arranges other events.