COVID-19 – How LGBT-inclusive organisations can help
COVID-19 and the lockdown have had a huge impact on all of our lives. Some parts of the LGBT community have been particularly hard hit.
But there are organisations and support services ready to listen and give advice, however you have been affected. Some are LGBT specific and we are working with many more frontline services to help them help you. All of them are there for you.
If you can’t find what you need, please contact our Information service.
If you have friends, family or colleagues who could benefit from this support, please share this page with them.
- I need to speak to someone for my mental health or in any kind of crisis …
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This national LGBT+ anti-violence charity has a domestic abuse helpline. You can call them on 0800 999 5428. Find out more information on their website. They have a dedicated trans advocacy helpline, too.
They are a regional LGBT+ charity providing support to LGBT+ individuals and families in the South West. They are currently providing a confidential helpline service and other remote support. Find out more here.
Provide general information, advice and confidential support. Have a phone line available every Monday 7-9pm on 0800 980 4021 or email info@lgbtcymru.org.uk.
This organisation works to improve the health, wellbeing and equality of LGBT people in Scotland. You can call, email or chat with them via their LiveChat service. They are also running a digital social programme online over the next few months, find out more here.
Have an info line 0300 123 3393, provide information on their website and a network of 20 local minds across Wales.
Provide a helpline for children and young people on 0808 80 23456. You can also text on 84001.
Samaritans (also offer a Welsh service)
A safe place to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. Free phone calls from landline or mobile. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. Lines are open 24/7.
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They are a text crisis service for those in a personal crisis who need support. Texts are free on all major networks including EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. Text SHOUT to 85258 in the UK to text with a trained crisis volunteer.
- I need to look after my own wellbeing …
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These are some support services and activities to help you remain connected and look after your mental wellbeing during lockdown and beyond.
Help and support for older people to stay safe at home.
This Sussex-based charity supports LGBTU young people aged 5 to 26 and their families. They have taken their services online, providing online youth groups, one-to-one emotional support sessions, parent/carers groups, and advocacy support.
You can call or email this children’s charity for free if you’re a person under 18 who needs support. You can call on 0800 1111, even if you don’t have credit on your phone, and it won’t show up on your phone bill. They have tips and information about coronavirus.
This social change organisation in South Gloucestershire offer a peer support group for LGBTQ+ young people aged 13-19, including a resource with other local organisations that can help.
This organisation specialise in easy read resources, and have created a webpage about coronavirus in easy read format. They also have a guide you can download with illustrations.
This trans youth work charity provides peer support groups, youth worker-led sessions and activities for young trans, non-binary people and gender questioning people. They’ve adapted to provide some online services, with updates about other services. You can contact their support line and see their online training.
A social group for PoC and BAME people that meets every month in Cardiff.
They work with LGBT people aged 50 and over in Greater Glasgow and Lothians. They are currently holding a free telephoning befriending service for LGBTQ+ people over 50 which is Scotland-wide. They are also sending out a weekly newsletter to LGBTQ+ older people. Contact Jean for further information.
Helpline to provide emotional support, brief advice, and signposting. Call 0345 3 30 30 30 or email helpline@lgbt.foundation. Open 9am-9pm Monday to Friday, and 10am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday. There is also an essential guide to COVID-19 and LGBT rights and access to services.
LGBT Health and Wellbeing (Scotland only)
Information and emotional support for LGBT people and their families. Call LGBT helpline Scotland on 0300 123 2523, email helpline@lgbthealth.org.uk or use BSL contact Scotland.
Open 10am–10pm every day. Call 0300 330 0630. Email chris@switchboard.lgbt. Online chat is also available. Switchboard’s Emotional Wellbeing support pack is full of ideas related to the different emotions you might be feeling at this time and has lots of useful tips and exercises.
Online youth services and support.
For LGBTQ+ people living with cancer, Live Through This offer advocacy and support. They’ve taken some of their peer support services online, so get in touch to access these opportunities.
London Friend is running a four-week Lockdown Remedy Group to help people look after their mental health and wellbeing.
They are a sexual health promotion and HIV prevention service for gay and bisexual men, MSM and men questioning their sexuality. They provide information, advice and support, in addition to a free HIV testing service.
This national mental health charity has put together plans for staying home or indoors, as well as tips for self-isolating while taking care of your wellbeing.
The LGBT advocacy and online support charity for those facing mental health issues will continue running its services. Access their services.
This London based organisation delivers a diverse range of services to support young LGBT+ people aged 13-19. Check their website, get in touch with them via email, or text/WhatsApp them on 07550124393.
This charity for children’s safety has a helpline for those who are concerned about a child or young person. You can contact them on 0808 800 5000 to speak to professional counsellors.
Support for LGBT+ people over 50 years old. Email befriending@openingdoorslondon.org.uk or call 020 7239 0400 to find out about their befriending scheme. They offer activities to do at home and information around COVID-19.
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They are a social enterprise that supports LGBTQ+ people and their families, in South Devon and beyond. They're running online youth social groups, and mentoring sessions for young LGBTQ+ people.
This LGBT+ charity for young people has an online tool to find your local youth group, many of whom have created virtual alternatives. You can search for trans-specific, BAME-specific and LGBT+-specific groups through the tool.
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Support for mental health and wellbeing, with an initial assessment and referrals to specialist help.
This national organisation for LGBT Disabled people has produced guides for Disabled and older people, featuring advice for food shopping, as well as how to cope with extended isolation.
SAMH – Scottish Association for Mental Health (Scotland only)
Help and support for mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The national Deaf health charity has made videos in British Sign Language, covering issues from what coronavirus is, what the government guidance is, to how to self-isolate.
This London-based CIC provides sexual health and wellbeing services. They have moved their 1-2-1 support online, offering live web chat with their staff for sexual health questions, with a weekly virtual face-to-face drop in. They also have information about accessing free testing kits.
The national HIV and sexual health charity has issued guidance for those living with HIV in the context of coronavirus
Provide support around gender or sexual diversity, identity or equality.
Tips, advice and guidance on getting mental health support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- I have money worries …
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Find COVID-19-related advice on their homepage, on benefits, bills, renting, employment and more.
Independent information and advice on benefits you may be entitled to if you are struggling financially.
Advice if you are unsure how to pay your rent, mortgage or other debts. Links to sources of emergency practical help. Free telephone and webchat service.
If you are worried about how COVID-19 will affect your financial situation, find up-to-date advice on the legal situation, help available and access online debt counselling.
- I need practical support …
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The national specialist infrastructure organisation strengthens the LGBT sector and service provision. They have guidance for anyone delivering services, and can provide support to any organisations who need it.
This network of local mutual aid groups supports communities to look out for one another. You can find your local group, or even set up your own group using these resources.
This international medical care charity has worked with British Red Cross, Migrant Help and Clear Voice to translate NHS guidance into 20 languages, continuously being updated. This includes Albanian, Pashto, and Spanish, to name a few.
Ths group is organised by and for queer people in Durham City, UK, modelled on the QueerCare protocol, to support LGBTQ+ people. They are also looking for volunteers.
This group was set up to help at risk and isolated people in Oxfordshire. To volunteer, or to access support, you can fill in their form. They also have a group dedicated to trans healthcare, providing practical advice to trans and gender non-conforming people. Follow them on Twitter for updates.
They are a social enterprise that supports LGBTQ+ people and their families, in South Devon and beyond. They're providing emergency food parcels to anyone who needs them.
A transfeminist autonomous care organisation. Find resources for support workers, and those taking part in mutual aid efforts, including how to safely deliver food and items to others.
The Sex Workers Advocacy and Resistance Movement in the UK is acutely aware of the impacts upon sex workers during this uncertain time. They’ve created a list of resources on dealing with financial hardship, lowering risk of transmission during work, and creating household action plans.
This organisation for QTIPOC (queer, trans, intersex people of colour) in Birmingham is looking for people of colour who can volunteer to gift up to an hour of their time to deliver online sessions from anywhere in, e.g. yoga, craft, singing, facilitators for safe online spaces.
- I need help around domestic violence, domestic abuse or hate crime …
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, you can get confidential support by visiting a consultation room in any Boots pharmacy.
Support for LGBT+ people experiencing hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse. Call 0800 999 5428 or email help@galop.org.uk. The helpline is for LGBT people, their families, friends, and agencies supporting them.
This guidance explains how you can contact the Police without having to speak or give your location if it is not safe to do so.
Rainbow Project (Northern Ireland only)
Advocacy and support if you are facing hate crime, discrimination or domestic abuse.
Call 08088 01 03 02 for the free Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline. Every day, 6pm to midnight.
Guidance to help people experiencing domestic abuse to stay safe during the COVID-19 crisis.
Practical and legal advice. Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline is open 24/7 on 0800 027 1234.
Has a phone line: 0808 80 10 800. Provides practical support online, resources and campaigns.
Live Fear Free (not LGBT specific, but inclusive)
Has a phoneline 0808 80 10 800 and provides help and advice through its website.
More information from Stonewall on hate crime.
More information from Stonewall on domestic violence and abuse.
- I am bereaved …
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Resources to share how bereavement and grief may be affected by this pandemic. It covers some of the different situations and emotions bereaved people may have to deal with. Call 0808 808 1677 for free advice and support.
Support for key workers, for children and young people who have been bereaved and for when attending a funeral hasn’t been possible.
Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief (Scotland only)
Information for people in Scotland who may be worried that they, or someone they care about, is at increased risk of getting seriously ill and potentially dying from COVID-19.
- I am homeless or need housing support …
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Albert Kennedy Trust support young people facing or experiencing homelessness or a hostile environment. They released this update on how to access services, as well as a list of free or fair-cost wellness activities led by people of colour, womxn and queer folks.
Emergency housing advice and support for 16-25-year-olds.
Homeless Link (England only)
Search for homelessness services and support across England.
The UK’s first LGBTIQ+ community shelter and centre has opened a virtual hub. You can sign up to volunteer, or if you need help.
Housing advice during the COVID-19 pandemic for England, Scotland and Shelter Cymru.
This national charity ensures LGBT people can live in safer homes free from fear. Their free, confidential advice line and self-referral systems are still running. They also have simple guidelines for self-isolating.
- I need HIV support or sexual health support …
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HIV, PrEP, COVID-19 and sexual health information and advice. Call the HIV Scotland Coronavirus Helpline between 10am – 6pm, Monday to Friday on 0131 558 3713.
Extended online services, including free online counselling, for people living with HIV. Call 0808 802 1221 for support, advice and information or email info@tht.org.uk
Rainbow Project (Northern Ireland only)
Sexual health advice and support.
Waverley Care (Scotland only)
Support and advice around HIV, Hepatitis C and sexual health.
- I need support around asylum and immigration …
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Information on legal changes to the immigration system in response to COVID-19. Information for students, workers, asylum seekers and people with no recourse to public funds.
Provide an online space for LGBT asylum seekers and refugees to meet.
This charity works for a future free from discrimination, with a specific focus on providing safe housing for LGBTI asylum seekers and refugees. Their advice services, including their helplines, are still open for those who need their help.
Their aim is to help Refugees and Asylum Seekers integrate within their local community.
Phone support for refugees and asylum seekers.
This charity provides information and support to LGBT asylum seekers and to those who have been granted leave to remain but are not yet settled. They work in the North East of England covering Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland, Gateshead, Durham, Stockton-on-Tees and Middlesbrough. Find out more here.
Support, advice and information on immigration or asylum for LGBT+ people.
- I need trans-specific care …
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The team at the LGBT+ anti-violence charity has compiled this resource, including how to cope with isolation and draw on community resilience. They have a dedicated trans advocacy helpline, too.
Download a Trans Resilience in Isolation PowerPoint.
This trans youth work charity provides peer support groups, youth worker-led sessions and activities for young trans, non-binary people and gender questioning people. They’ve adapted to provide some online services, with updates about other services.
Mermaids provides a safe space for trans young people - up until their 20th birthday - to find support and help one another.
This London-based CIC provides sexual health and wellbeing services. They have moved their 1-2-1 support online, with an online social group for trans people, and are offering live web chat with their staff for sexual health questions, with a weekly virtual face-to-face drop in. They also have information about accessing free testing kits.
Transgender Northern Ireland advocate for and fund work for trans people in Northern Ireland. They shared some safety and wellbeing tips for those binding at the moment.
This podcast caters to the needs of trans, intersex and non-binary people. To combat isolation, they’ve set up a discord server for chats, gaming, and community-building.