27/12/2020
LGBTQ Charities have come together to remind the community of sources of support and sustenance through Christmas and the New Year period, a time which we have to acknolwedge that some members of our communities find particularly difficult. Here then, are a few lines that might be of assistance during the holiday.
The Samaritans – not just for people who have thoughts of self harm or suicide, the Samaritans are open to all who need a helpling hand or just someone to listen. Despite their name, the Samaritans are not affiliated with any religious or faith based institution.
116 123.
Switchboard – the LGBT Helpline
Established in 1974, the organisation that started life as the Gay Switchboard. Available from 10am to 10pm daily, seven days a week.
0300 330 0630
Women's Aid and Refuge
24 hour Domestic Abuse Assistance Line
0808 2000 247
https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
Galop
LGBT+ run charity operating various anti-violence initiatives including help after hate crime and the National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline.
Survivors UK
Male Rape and Sexual Abuse Assistance
Albert Kennedy Trust
The AKT helps young LGBT+ people who are in need of housing, or at risk of homelessness. They have published an extensive list of helplines and support groups for LGBT+ people of any age, which is available here:
https://www.akt.org.uk/news/xmas
Terrence Higgins Trust
Sexual Health and HIV Charity
0808 802 1221 Closed Friday 25 December to Monday 28 December. Tuesday 29 December, 10am to 2pm Wednesday 30 December, 10am to 2pm Thursday 31 December, 10am to 2pm Closed Friday 1 January to Sunday 3 January 2021. Resumes as normal from Monday 4 January at 10am.
The Silver Line
24/7 Helpline for older people
0800 4 70 80 90
https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/
Shelter
National Housing Charity
https://england.shelter.org.uk/
(Scottish Shelter at https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/ and Wales at https://sheltercymru.org.uk/)
NHS List of Helplines
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-he...
Don't Suffer in Silence! Get Help and Support!
