Mental health issues can affect anyone, though studies have found that they are more common among LGBTQIA+ people than in their cishet peers. In fact, research conducted by Stonewall found that half of LGBTQIA+ people have experienced depression, while three in five have suffered from anxiety. No matter the problem, it’s important to remember that help is always available. Here, GAY TIMES, rounds up 11 places you can find free support tailored for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Content warning: This article includes topics that could make some readers feel uncomfortable and/or upset.
Childline
Childline offers an array of resources for anyone under the age of 19 in the UK, including LGBTQIA+ youth. These include a confidential helpline that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as a 1-2-1 counselling service and email support. More information is available on its website.
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Galop
Galop’s team has decades of experience working with LGBTQIA+ people who have been victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, so-called ‘conversion therapy’, honour-bsaed abuse, forced marriage and various other forms of abuse. The charity’s website has more information about the resources available, including helplines and an online Domestic Abuse Survivors Forum.
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Mind
Through providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing mental health problems, Mind is working to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding in society. It offers support tailored to LGBTQIA+ people, including information on legal rights, advice on where to get advice and specialist mental health services that you can learn more about here.
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MindOut
Run by and for LGBTQIA+ people, MindOut is a mental health service working to improve the wellbeing of those in the community and beyond. Its services are mostly for people aged 18 and over who are based in Brighton and Hove, though its online support service is available globally. Details about MindOut can be found here.
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Mindline Trans+
Mindline Trans+ is a confidential emotional, mental health support helpline and signposting service for people who are part of the trans+ community, as well their friends and family. It provides a safe space to talk about your feelings confidentially and volunteers do not record calls or ask for any personal details. It is currently only available on Friday evenings due to volunteer availability. More details can are listed online here.
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Papyrus
As a national UK charity dedicated to suicide prevention, Papyrus has an array of resources available for young people. These include its helpline, HOPELINEUK, which will give you a safe space to talk through anything happening in your life that could be impacting your ability to stay safe. It’s available 24/7 all year long and is for children and young people aged 35 and under, as well as those concerned about a young person who could be thinking about suicide.
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Rainbow Migration
Rainbow Migration, a charity that helps LGBTQIA+ people through the asylum and immigration system, provides emotional support to those who are in the UK and thinking of or currently going through the process. Click here to find out more.
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Samaritans
Whatever you’re going through, someone from the Samaritans team will help you get through it. Its free helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and gives you a safe space to discuss whatever’s on your mind, in your own way. You can learn more about it here.
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Student Minds
It can be difficult to be LGBTQIA+ at university, something which Student Minds recognises. From gender transitioning to coming out, it has created a guide for LGBTQIA+ students and friends who may need tips, advice or additional support as a result of their identity. This can be found here.
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Switchboard
For decades, Switchboard has been supporting LGBTQIA+ people with its national helpline which is currently open from 10am-10pm every day. It provides a non-judgemental, confidential service that is run by volunteers who all identify as LGBTQIA+. In addition to its helpline, Switchboard also runs an online chat and has a number of resources available for those in need. More information is available on its website.
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Terrence Higgins Trust
Depression is twice as common among people living with HIV, which can impact someone’s levels of anxiety, self-confidence and overall self-worth. Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK’s leading sexual health charity, has a page dedicated to mental health with advice on how to deal with whatever issues you may be facing as someone living with HIV – this can be found here.
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