LGBT+ youth are facing a challenge like never before.
If you’re a young LGBT+ person stuck in a difficult situation because of lockdown, The British LGBT Awards and It Gets Better UK want you to know that your community is here for you, and that we’re #InThisTogether.
Watch messages of support from our celebrity pals here.
We want to try to make things a little easier for anyone in need of help, so we’ve compiled a list of resources that are specifically aimed at young LGBT+ people in lockdown. So, whether you’re in dire need of socialisation with fellow LGBT+ folk, or if you’re having to social distance in a household with homophobic or transphobic family members, we hope you are able to find the help you need through some of the brilliant charities and projects below.
There are places you can get help. Remember, #ItGetsBetter and, no matter what, we’re #InThisTogether.
What do you need help with?
Domestic Abuse
Wellbeing
Social Contact
Trans or Gender Expansive specific
Homelessness
Outside the UK
If you have faced, or are facing, abuse at home
akt (Albert Kennedy Trust)
Where: UK
Resources: Live chat 10am-6pm Monday-Friday, video consultations
Despite currently being unable to provide face-to-face casework, AKT are continuing to provide services for LGBT+ young people facing homelessness or hostile/abusive home environments.
Services offered include virtual consultations, live chat, guidance for those in need during COVID-19 and collaborative events for LGBT+ young people.
You can view all the resources made available by AKT here – and these are updated regularly.
Currently these resources include online mental health and wellbeing support for young people aged 11-18 (provided by kooth), advice on private renting rights and access to benefits, as well as some other handy links.
Galop
Where: UK
Resources: Domestic abuse advice and help.
We are excited to share a new video created in partnership with several amazing organizations.
We all want to help you respond if the #LGBT+ people in your life may be suffering from #DomesticAbuse
Learn More Here: https://t.co/cR5kLEQiPz
& Here: https://t.co/Um0NjIQP3o pic.twitter.com/MOgWvWjL5A
— Galop (@GalopUK) May 11, 2020
Galop’s National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline is open Monday to Friday: 10am – 5pm and Wednesday to Thursday 10am – 8pm.
0800 999 5428 or help@galop.org.uk
The Rainbow Project
Where: Northern Ireland
Resources: Domestic abuse helpline
If you are experiencing domestic abuse of any kind and need someone to talk to, The Rainbow project have a 24 hour Domestic & Sexual Abuse helpline. To use this service, phone 0808 802 1414.
If you are struggling with your mental health or wellbeing
LGBT+ Foundation
Where: UK (Based in Manchester)
Resources: LGBT+ rights guide for COVID-19, Wellbeing Hub, remote service delivery and sexual health advice. A Talking Therapies service is also offered to LGBT+ folk living in Greater Manchester.
LGBT Foundation are still offering a whole range of helpful resources during lockdown, having moved most of their regular services online. The Wellbeing Hub is a great place to gain support, offering ways to “Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Learn & Give”.
Know your rights. For many LGBT+ people, lockdown may have obscured what you are allowed to access, such as sexual health testing, PrEP, hormones, GIC appointments and medication. LGBT Foundation have your back, with a trusty Essential Guide to LGBT Rights and Covid-19.
If you need more guidance with this you can access LGBT Foundation’s helpline on 0345 3 30 30 30 or chat to them via email on helpline@lgbt.foundation.
MindOut
Where: UK
If you’re a young LGBT+ person in need of mental health support…
Resources: Online Support service, phone support and advocacy.
MindOut specialises in supporting LGBT+ folk with their mental health. As such, if you are feeling stressed, isolated and uncertain you can access help and guidance from MindOut’s online support workers any day of the week.
Through MindOut’s Online Support service, you can also access specific sessions at certain times of day – such as Under 30s Advocacy, Trans-specific or general Advocacy sessions.
Mosaic Youth
Where: UK (London)
Resources: Guided meditations, mindfulness sessions and online yoga.
If you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Many young LGBT+ persons are feeling the same and we’re here to support you. We’re running guided meditation, mindfulness and yoga during these uncertain times. To get involved, head to the link in our bio. pic.twitter.com/6cWH7f2CFF
— The Mosaic Trust (@TheMosaicTrust) May 14, 2020
Mosaic Youth also have resources for socialising (see here!).
mosaicyouth.org.uk
@mosaicLGBTyouth
Terrence Higgins Trust
Where: UK
Resources: Free helpline and online counselling for HIV+ folk over 18
@THTorguk
If you are a looking for 1-2-1 advice or wanting to socialise
LGBT Youth Scotland
Where: Scotland
Resources: 1-2-1 sessions, youth groups, live chat and text or email support.
They are also running a Live Chat every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evening from 6pm – 8pm to chat with youth workers about whatever is on your mind. At times when the Live Chat isn’t accessible, LGBTYS offer a text message service from Monday – Friday at 07786 202 370.
The Proud Trust
Where: North West England
Resources: Regular youth group sessions and 1-2-1s online.
https://twitter.com/TheProudTrust/status/1245658772963381248?s=20
The Proud Trust have adapted to lockdown by making their operations digital. All youth groups are being run virtually through Google Hangout, and 1-1 support is still being offered.
Visit the #VirtualLGBTCentre here!
theproudtrust.org
@TheProudTrust
Mosaic Youth
Where: London
Resources: Discord community, regular youth club sessions and goal setting sessions.
Every morning we're running goal setting sessions to help you stay connected and focussed during these uncertain times. If you're a regular, you know the drill, if we've not met you before, DM us for more info. #CommunityMosaic pic.twitter.com/Z1TdUzAWRq
— The Mosaic Trust (@TheMosaicTrust) May 11, 2020
They also offer morning goal setting sessions, and many more events to help your wellbeing. Find the full calendar of what’s on here.
mosaicyouth.org.uk
@mosaicLGBTyouth
Hidayah
Where: UK
Resources: Virtual meet-ups, movie nights and a wellbeing WhatsApp group for LGBT+ Muslims
We are pleased to inform the new dates for our movie nights.
18th May : “Breaking Fast” by Mike Mosallam at 1900 hrs
20th May: “Brothers” by Mike MosallamPlease book your tickets at https://t.co/e11DEwV1zQ#queermuslims #gaymuslims #lgbt #movienights #ramadan #RamadanAtHome
— Hidayah (@HidayahLGBTQI) May 13, 2020
hidayahlgbt.co.uk
@HidayahLGBTQI
Allsorts Youth Project
Where: Brighton and West Sussex
Resources: Online youth groups, one-to-one emotional support sessions and advocacy
@allsortsyouth
2BU Somerset
Where: Somerset
Resources: Youth support in the form of private conversations and group chats.
Despite having to close their youth groups for the time being, 2BU Somerset’s support team are still available virtually during usual group hours via an online group chat. You can also talk to support staff through private message during these sessions.
The 2BU team are still here to help you find some answers and support if you feel you want it.
2bu-somerset.co.uk
@2BUSomerset
If you are a seeking trans/gender-expansive specific support
Mermaids
Where: UK
Resources: Helpline, texting or email.
Mermaids have partnered with Shout UK to offer 24/7 support for gender-diverse young people in need of someone to talk to or experiencing a crisis. All you have to do is text MERMAIDS to 85258 to access this service.
You can also speak to a trained member of the Mermaid’s team between Monday – Friday; 9am – 9pm by calling 0808 801 0400 or use their Web Chat between the same times.
mermaidsuk.org.uk
@Mermaids_Gender
Gendered Intelligence
Where: UK
Resources: Online youth groups, 1-2-1 support and helpline – phone, email, text or WhatsApp
Gendered Intelligence’s helpline, which supports trans and non-binary (and their families) undergoing the NHS gender care waiting list and assessment process, is open as usual throughout lockdown. This service is accessible on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday between 2pm – 7pm, as well as Wednesday and Friday between 10am – 3pm.
Helpline: 0330 3559 678
Email: supportline@genderedintelligence.co.uk
Text or WhatsApp: 07592 650 496
GI have also moved their youth groups online! GI offers various youth groups aimed at different youth groups, such as tween groups, teen groups, BAME youth groups or youth groups for specific parts of the UK.
To find out how to access this service email youthwork@genderedintelligence.co.uk with the subject ‘ONLINE YOUTH GROUPS’. Include your name, age, location and whether you are open to being phoned by a GI youth worker to check-in and find out your needs for being involved. (Also include your mobile number if this is ok.) You don’t have to send any details at first if you just want to ask a question.
If you are at risk of homelessness…
The Outside Project
Where: London
Resources: Housing, food and a community.
WE HAVE SPACE!
Use it. Don’t turn to apps, come to us. You’ll have your own room. 3 meals a day. Clean bedding and towels. You don’t have to be sober. We won’t ask you a million questions.
Email Carla.Ecola@lgbtiqoutside.org pic.twitter.com/jEtZlU0eJk— The Outside Project (@LGBTIQoutside) May 10, 2020
lgbtiqoutside.org
@LGBTIQoutside
Stonewall Housing (partnered with The Outside Project)
Where: UK
Resources: Advice line and a referral service for rough sleepers.
Are you in crisis? Homeless? Sofa-surfing or survival sex working?
Call @Stonewallhousin : 0207 359 5767 Mon-Fri 10am – 1pm
Online referral: https://t.co/SFiaQbb3UO
COVID19 Emergency Hotel: Carla.Ecola@lgbtiqoutside.org#makespaceforhomelessqueers pic.twitter.com/6SrcOouPnx
— The Outside Project (@LGBTIQoutside) May 8, 2020
You can also fill in their referral form if their helpline is closed.
stonewallhousing.org
@Stonewallhousin
If you’re outside the UK…
Los Angeles LGBT Center
Where: USA (California)
Resources: Legal services for LGBT+ victims of abuse, regular services.
The LA LGBT Center remains open and still running the majority of their services – although many are now running online or via phone. For more information on this see their COVID-19 updates.
To access the free legal services for LGBT+ victims of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, hate violence, stalking or trafficking call 323-993-7649 and leave a message.
lalgbtcenter.org
@LALGBTCenter
The Trevor Project
Where: USA
Resources: Suicide prevention helpline
thetrevorproject.org
@TrevorProject
IF YOU KNOW OF A RESOURCE THAT SHOULD BE ADDED TO THIS LIST, PLEASE LET US KNOW