A MOTHER of two gay daughters has set up her own support group for parents coming to terms with their children’s sexuality.

Colette Hill, 57, has launched the Ricochet group, which will meet in Dorchester every Saturday to offer advice to the families and friends of gay, lesbian and bisexual people in the area and give them a chance to share their experiences.

Ricochet will also offer a 24-hour helpline so parents can talk confidentially to people who have experienced what they are going through.

Colette, who now lives near Bridport said; “I’m from London originally and I’ve got two gay daughters in their early 20s.

“I found out about them being gay about three years ago and when I first found out I was very distressed.

“I wasn’t distressed about having one gay daughter but having two was a bit much.

“I’m now entirely content that they are gay and very relaxed about it but it was a bit of a journey.

“I did go to a support group in London that was really helpful to me and made a massive difference.

“So when I moved down here and I was very much aware that there will be parents out there who find it can be very difficult to start with and there is not much available for them.”

Colette said the group will offer face-to-face contact with people with shared experiences as well as telephone support.

She added: “Increasingly, parents are relaxed about their children’s sexual orientation.

“But for many, the thought that their child may be gay is still difficult to deal with and they have a lot of questions.

“Talking to others in the same situation and getting answers to those questions can be really helpful.

“It’s the fact that you come along and other people are in the same boat, it just makes such difference.”

The Ricochet meetings are open to parents and family members across Dorset and will be held on the first Saturday of every month in Dorchester, starting in May.

For more information visit www.richochet-dorset.org or email richochet.enquiry@gmail.com.

To find out more or contact the helpline call 07803 309781.