UK-Based LGBTQIA+ Support and Crisis Organisations
Jun 18, 2024
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. That's why 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 below organisations 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
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit in branch
2. The Anna Freud Foundation crisis messenger text service is a free, confidential, 24/7 text message support service for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or is 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 you can text 'help' followed by a question to 81066.
List of LGBTQIA+ Support Organisations
It's important to remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you're seeking advice, immediate help, or a sense of belonging, the following UK-based organisations are here to support you.
African Rainbow Family is a charity supporting LGBTQIA+ people seeking asylum and refugees with African heritage. You can self-refer to their services here.
AKT focuses on supporting LGBTQIA+ young people who are facing homelessness and/or living in hostile environments. They offer housing support, mentoring, and mental health resources including a live chat service.
Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN)
AVEN is an international asexual community that offers resources and online forums.
Clare Project provides online information and online groups for trans, non-binary and intersex adults.
Deaf Rainbow is a volunteer-led organisation providing, and advocating for, access for queer deaf and hard of hearing (HOH) people across the UK. They provide information, awareness, support and representation for deaf LGBTQIA+ people.
Galop is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals who have experienced abuse and violence. They offer a helpline, advocacy, and support services tailored to the needs of the community.
- 0207 704 2040 (LGBT+ hate crime helpline)
- 0800 999 5428 (LGBT+ domestic abuse helpline)
- 0800 130 3335 (Conversion therapy helpline)
- [email protected]
Hidayah runs groups and events across the UK to support LGBTQIA+ Muslim people.
Interconnected UK provides peer support and a safe space for people with intersex traits/variations of sex characteristics (I/VSC) and their loved ones.
Keshet UK is an educational and training charity supporting Jewish LGBTQIA+ people and their families with inclusion in Jewish life.
LGBT Foundation offers a wide range of specialist support services, including mental advice and support.
MindOut is a specialised mental health service run by and for LGBTQIA+ people. They offer online support services accessible to anyone anywhere.
Regard provides support for LGBTQIA+ individuals who identify as disabled.
Stonewall is renowned for its extensive work in promoting equality and inclusion. They provide a range of resources for mental health and support tailored to LGBTQIA+ youth.
- Call: 08000 50 20 20
Switchboard provides listening services, information and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Phone operators all identify as LGBTQIA+.
- Call: 0800 0119 100 (10am–10pm every day)
- Email: [email protected]
Traveller Pride provides support for LGBTQIA+ travellers, including a confidential listening service.
- Call: 0800 233 5066 (Monday, 5pm - 8:30pm)
Support For Under 25s
Gendered Intelligence is a charity supporting young trans people aged under 25, and information for their parents and carers.
LGBT Youth Scotland offers support for LGBTQIA+ young people in Scotland.
Mermaids supports gender-diverse young people aged 19 and under, and their families and carers. They offer a helpline and web chat, ensuring that support is always available.
- Call: 0808 801 0400 (Monday-Friday, 9am - 9pm)
The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people, offering a crisis messenger service, email and web chat.
- Crisis messenger service: text THEMIX to 85258
The Rainbow Project supports LGBTQIA+ young people and their families in Northern Ireland.
A more comprehensive directory of services and groups for LGBTQIA+ individuals is available via 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 or support 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 crisis 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 to one of these organisations. Remember, you are not alone, and there are people ready and willing to help you navigate your journey toward health and happiness.