Navigating the complexities of gender and sexuality can be a deeply personal and challenging journey. For many in the LGBTQIA+ community, finding support that genuinely understands and addresses their unique needs can make all the difference. Today, I want to highlight some incredible UK-based organisations that provide essential support and crisis intervention for LGBTQIA+ individuals. These groups offer not only a lifeline in times of crisis but also a community of understanding and acceptance.

3 General Crisis Services

If you or someone you know are experiencing a mental health crisis and need to talk to someone now, the organisations listed below offer 24-hour support by text, email, and phone.

1. Samaritans is free, confidential, and available any time, day or night, for people of any age across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

• Call: 116 123
• Online chat: Visit Samaritans Chat
• Email: [email protected]
• In Branch: Find your local branch

2. The Anna Freud Foundation crisis messenger text service is a free, confidential, 24/7 text message support service for anyone feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope.

• Text: "AFC" to 85258

3. The Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L.) is available 24/7 for those living in Wales.

• Call: 0800 132 737 or text "help" followed by a question to 81066.

UK LGBTQIA+ Support Organisations

Asking for help is a sign of strength. Whether you are seeking advice, immediate help, or a sense of belonging, the following UK-based organisations are here to support you.

African Rainbow Family
Supporting LGBTQIA+ people seeking asylum and refugees with African heritage. Self-refer here.

Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT)
Supporting LGBTQIA+ young people (aged 16–25) facing homelessness or hostile environments. They provide housing support, mentoring, and a live chat service.

Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN)
The world's largest online asexual community, providing resources and forums.

Clare Project
Providing online groups and information specifically for trans, non-binary, and intersex adults.

Deaf Rainbow UK
Advocating for access and providing representation for queer deaf and hard of hearing (HoH) people across the UK.

Galop
Supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals who have experienced abuse, violence, or hate crime.

• LGBT+ Hate Crime: 020 7704 2040
• Domestic Abuse: 0800 999 5428
• Conversion Therapy: 0800 130 3335
• Email: [email protected]

Hidayah
Providing support, groups, and events for LGBTQIA+ Muslims.

Interconnected UK
Peer support for people with intersex traits or variations of sex characteristics (I/VSC) and their families.

Keshet UK
Working for the inclusion of Jewish LGBTQIA+ people and their families in all areas of Jewish life.

LGBT Foundation
Specialist advice and mental health support services based in Manchester but serving the UK.

MindOut
A mental health service run by and for LGBTQIA+ people, offering online support regardless of location.

Regard
National organisation providing support for LGBTQIA+ individuals who identify as disabled.

Stonewall
Equality, inclusion resources, and an information service for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies.

• Info Line: 08000 50 20 20

Switchboard
National listening service where all operators identify as LGBTQIA+.

• Call: 0800 0119 100 (10am–10pm daily)
• Email: [email protected]

Traveller Pride
Providing guidance and a confidential listening service for LGBTQIA+ Travellers.

• Call: 0800 233 5066 (Mondays, 5pm – 8:30pm)

Support For Under 25s

Gendered Intelligence
Charity supporting young trans and non-binary people under 25, with specific resources for parents and carers.

LGBT Youth Scotland
Scotland’s national charity for LGBTQIA+ young people.

Mermaids
Supporting gender-diverse children and young people (aged 19 and under) and their families.

• Helpline: 0808 801 0400 (Mon–Fri, 9am – 9pm)

The Mix
The UK’s leading support service for young people under 25, offering crisis messenger services and web chat.

• Crisis Text: THEMIX to 85258

The Rainbow Project
Promoting the health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ people and their families in Northern Ireland.

For a more comprehensive directory of services and groups, visit the LGBT Consortium.

Reflective Questions

• What impact does speaking with someone who shares your lived experience have on your willingness to seek help?
• How can you use this information to be a better ally to those in the LGBTQIA+ community?
• How can family and ally support enhance the well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals? What steps can you take to foster such support in your own community?

Conclusion

LGBTQIA+ support and crisis organisations not only provide immediate help in times of need but also foster a sense of community and belonging. If you or someone you know is in need of support, I encourage you to reach out. Remember, you are not alone, and there are people ready and willing to help you navigate your journey toward health and happiness.