Support is vital when facing discrimination or isolation.
We can all struggle with our mental health at points in our lives, but for individuals who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community, this relationship with mental health can be especially challenging.
The National LGBT Survey, undertaken by the UK Government in 2017, found that LGBT individuals are generally less satisfied with life than the rest of the UK population, with transgender individuals particularly affected.
In fact, 28% of individuals who took part in the survey shared that they had accessed mental health services in the 12 months prior to completing the survey.
The Mind Map aims to support the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth, and has compiled a list of some of the best UK-based services and resource centres for LGBTQ+ young people looking for support that is unique to their identity and experiences.
Read on below to discover the specialist support available.
Stonewall is the UK’s leading LGBT charity, empowering individuals to live as their authentic selves and make a difference within their wider community.
Named after the 1969 Stonewall Riots that changed the landscape of LGBTQ+ advocacy, the charity not only works to support individuals but also raises awareness of inequality and injustice in society and within institutions. Stonewall offers advice and support for individuals facing discrimination, hate crime, parenting rights, asylum, or difficulties during the coming out process.
Contact Stonewall: Telephone – 0800 0502020
Switchboard is a free, confidential helpline for individuals who need a place to talk about anything, including sexuality, gender identity, mental health, and sexual health.
The service can be accessed via telephone, email, and instant messaging. Switchboard’s friendly volunteer team can advise you on how to find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist, report a hate crime, find a local LGBTQ+ social group, support a friend or family member struggling with their sexuality or gender identity, or practice safe sex.
Every volunteer at Switchboard also self-identifies as LGBTQ+, meaning that there is always someone available with similar or shared experiences to listen to your circumstances.
Contact Switchboard: Telephone: 0300 330 0630 | Instant Messaging: https://switchboard.lgbt/
This charity aims to improve the quality of life for transgender youth throughout the UK and raise awareness of the challenges trans people continue to face in our society.
Gendered Intelligence support trans youth between the ages of 8 and 25 years-old through regular social activities, mentoring, creative arts-based programmes, annual residential trips, and wider family assistance.
A telephone and instant messaging support line has also been established in partnership with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to point trans youth towards local community services, provide wellbeing support, and offer advice about gender clinic appointments.
Contact Gendered Intelligence: Telephone – 020 7832 5813 | WhatsApp – 07592 650496
Established as the world’s first service for homeless LGBTQ+ youth in 1989, the Albert Kennedy Trust (akt) continues to support young LGBTQ+ people in the UK through national online support and regional help centres throughout England. The charity provides safe housing, training, mentoring, and advocacy to young people who are either homeless or living within a hostile environment after coming out. Each year, akt invites LGBTQ+ youth aged between 16-25 years old to join their youth engagement programme to address issues they are passionate about and shape the future of the charity.
Contact akt: Online Chat – https://www.akt.org.uk/ | Email – [email protected]
A charity established to assist members of the LGBTQ+ community with lived experiences of mental health issues, MindOut has been providing services from its Brighton base for 20 years. Offering support both online and through face-to-face work, the charity’s team of advocates work with people up and down the country to improve mental wellbeing and boost personal empowerment.
MindOut can assist with accessing mental health services, housing and homelessness, relationship issues, hate crime, addiction support, and care pathways for transgender individuals. Diversity, inclusion, and destigmatisation all remain at the heart of the organisation.
Contact MindOut: Telephone – 01273 234839 | Email – [email protected]
If you would like more information about free mental health services near you, visit our interactive map. The Mind Map also offers online and in-person counselling with accredited therapists, who are available to book via our website.
If you require emergency help, contact Samaritans via phone on 116 123.