Mental health issues can affect any of us, but they are more common among the LGBTQ+ community. Their age, religion, where they live, and their ethnicity can add extra complications.
Global’s Make Some Noise are supporting small charities across the UK by funding projects that are changing lives, including projects offering help to people in the LGBTQ+ community in their hour of need.
We have put together a list of charities who offer national telephone or online support.
The Proud Trust
Online 1-1 support
The Proud Trust is a national charity supporting LGBTQ+ young people to be proud of their identity and feel a part of the communities where they live, learn, work and play. Their service, Proud Connections, is a free, confidential and secure instant messaging service for LGBTQ+ young people and the adults who support them.
https://www.theproudtrust.org/proud-connections/
MindOut
Online 1-1 support
MindOut is a project run by and for the LGBTQ+ community. All services are confidential, independent and impartial. They offer online support for LGBTQ+ people aged 18+ globally.
https://mindout.org.uk/get-support/mindout-online/
Opening Doors
In-person support groups
Opening Doors is the largest UK charity providing activities, events, information and support services specifically for LGBTQ+ people over 50.
https://www.openingdoors.lgbt/
akt (The Albert Kennedy Trust)
Online 1-1 support
akt supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 in the UK who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment. Their live chat function is open to all people needing guidance on keeping safe, emergency accommodation or other specialist support Monday- Friday 10am-5pm. If you leave a message outside of these hours, they will respond to you when next online.
Support U
Helpline
Support U’s service isn’t just limited to those who are, define as or think they may be LGBT+. They support everyone associated with an LGBT+ issue; for example, siblings, parents, grandparents, any other carers or guardians, support workers and teachers. Their support line is open 5 days a week 10am to 6pm and is answered by professionally trained support advisors.
https://www.supportu.org.uk/helpline
Support U also offers in-person support services at their wellbeing centre in Reading.
Mosaic LGBT Young Person’s Trust
In-person events and online counselling, London
The Mosaic Trust supports, educates and inspires young LGBT+ people aged 13-19 across Greater London. They provide accessible activities, programmes and services that aim to empower community members, provide essential resources, advocate for young LGBT+ rights, and embrace, promote and endorse the diversity of young people.
https://www.mosaictrust.org.uk/
The OutHouse
In-person events, Essex and online resource library
The OutHouse provides opportunities for LGBTQ+ people in Essex. Their mission is to develop and promote a sustainable, fair and equal society where all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people can achieve their full potential. They offer a range of services, from free counselling and support groups to social events and education workshops, an online LGBT+ library and signposting.
Base 51
In-person support, Nottinghamshire
Base 51 provides a ‘safe place where change begins’ for vulnerable young people aged 11-25 from across Nottinghamshire. They offer counselling, specialist trauma support, LGBTQIA+ peer support, and a youth club with dance sessions and recording studios, as well as practical support through a kitchen and clothes bank.
elop
In-person support groups, London
elop, based in East London, is run for and by the LGBTQ+ community, aiming to improve the mental, emotional, psychological and social health of LGBTQ+ people of all ages. They work to challenge and eradicate discrimination and inequalities, by offering counselling, mental health crisis intervention, sexual and domestic abuse support, social and befriending groups, youth mentoring and more.
Below are charities not supported by Global’s Make Some Noise but who can also offer help.
Switchboard
An LGBT+ helpline and online chat service, with volunteers who identify as LGBTQ+ themselves.
0300 330 0630
Stonewall
Provides resources for LGBTQ+ people, campaigning for equality.
The Mix
Provides essential support for under 25s, to help them take on any challenge they’re facing.
0808 808 4994
Samaritans
Provides emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide with a free national helpline open 24/7.
116 223 (freephone)
