Find Help and Support

If you're experiencing an emergency and feel like your life or safety is in danger, call 999 and ask for the police or ambulance service. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 to speak to someone, 24/7, 365 days a year. 

General Support

• LGBT HERO Forums
  Safe, non-judgmental online space for LGBTQ+ people to connect and share experiences.

• Switchboard – 0300 330 0630, 10am–10pm | Webchat | [email protected]
  Confidential LGBTQ+ helpline run by volunteers. Nothing is off-limits.

• LGBT Foundation – 0345 3 30 30 30, Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm
  Support with mental health, hate crime, gender identity, and more.

• Mermaids – 0808 801 0400, Mon–Fri, 9am–9pm
  Support for gender-diverse and trans children, young people, and families.

• LGBT Ireland – 1890 929 539 (helpline) | 01 907 3707 (gender identity support) | [email protected]
  Helpline and instant messenger support for LGBTQ+ people in Ireland.

• Support U – 0118 321 9111
  Confidential support for LGBTQ+ people, families, and friends.

• LGBT Cymru – 0800 840 2069, Mon 7–9pm (voicemail available)
  Helpline for LGBTQ+ people and their loved ones.

• Brighton & Hove Switchboard – 01273 204050 (evenings, closed Tue & Sat)
  Support, community, and information for LGBTQ+ people.

• Galop – 0800 999 5428
  Specialist support for LGBTQ+ people facing hate crime, domestic abuse, or sexual violence.

• Mindline Trans+ – 0300 330 5468, Mon–Fri, 8pm–midnight
  Emotional and mental health support for trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people.

Drugs & Alcohol

• London Friend – 020 7833 1674, Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm
  Counselling, one-to-one support, and drug/alcohol programmes for LGBTQ+ people.

• Friday/Monday
  Information about sex and drugs for gay, bi, and trans people. Also runs Let’s Talk About Chemsex, a safe online support group.

• LGBT Foundation – 0345 3 30 30 30 | [email protected]
  One-to-one and peer support, plus help with chemsex, GBL/GHB, and alcohol issues.

Trans Support

• Mermaids – 0808 801 0400, Mon–Fri, 9am–9pm
  For trans and gender-diverse young people and their families.

• Gendered Intelligence
  Youth groups, resources, and family support for trans people aged 8–25.

• Spectra
  Social/therapeutic groups, one-to-one support, counselling, and training around gender and sexual health.

• TransUnite
  Directory of 100+ verified UK trans support groups.

Sexual Health

• THT Direct – 0808 802 1221, Mon–Fri, 10am–8pm
  Advice on HIV, STIs, PrEP/PEP, and sexual health services.

• Switchboard – 0300 330 0630, 10am–10pm
  Confidential space to talk about sexual health and related worries.

BAME Support

• Dosti – 0116 254 1747
  Social/support group for South Asian and Middle Eastern LGBTQ+ people.

Specialised Support Directories