COVID-19 – How LGBT-inclusive organisations can help
We are in increasingly difficult and uncertain times.
As coronavirus (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic - a global health crisis - we are feeling it at every touchpoint in society.
Whenever something happens, there are always those of us who face additional barriers through being more excluded than others. For some lesbian, gay, bi and trans people, the risks of homelessness, insecure employment, restricted access to healthcare and other inequalities deepen. Our LGBT in Britain - Health Report shows us that LGBT people are at greater risk of marginalisation within such crises, and those with multiple marginalised identities can struggle even more.
We aren’t able to provide healthcare advice, as we are not a health charity. It’s important to stay informed on current advice for the public, including from the UK Government.
However, even in times like these, something becomes abundantly clear.
LGBT communities across the country are coming together to show each other solidarity, support and provide lifesaving services. Here’s how they can help – and how we can help each other.
- How Stonewall can help
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Stonewall’s Information Service
Our Info Service is here to help with any issues affecting LGBT people or their families. Whatever your situation, you’re not on your own. We’ll do what we can to listen and help or point you in the right direction of someone who can.
The list is not exhaustive, but we hope these organisations can help you or your loved ones if you ever need them.
Don’t see your services listed here?
If you’re an individual, get in touch with our Info Service.
If you’re an LGBT community group or organisation, email campaigns@stonewall.org.uk so we can amplify your great work in solidarity.
- MUTUAL AID
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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 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’re a transfeminist autonomous care organisation. They’ve compiled 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 pans.
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.
- HOMELESSNESS SERVICES
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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.
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.
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.
- SELF-ISOLATION HELPLINES AND GUIDANCE
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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 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.
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.
This national LGBT charity are running their helpline as usual, and welcome calls or emails from anyone worried about the impacts of coronavirus. You can find out more about their approach.
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.
They run a free, 24-hour helpline to those struggling with their mental health. Telephone them on 116 123 - their phone line is running as usual.
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.
This national charity listens to LGBT+ people, providing a lifeline and calm words to those who need them. You can get in touch about anything on the phone, via email, or the live chat.
- DISABILITY, HEALTH AND WELLBEING
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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.
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.
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 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.
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.
The national HIV and sexual health charity has issued guidance for those living with HIV in the context of coronavirus.
- 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.
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.
- SERVICES FOR OLDER AND YOUNGER PEOPLE
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This charity for older people has guidance during this period, and a free, independent advice line open every day from 8am-7pm. They also offer telefriending services for those aged 60 and over.
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 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.
This Scottish charity for young LGBT people issued an update on their services, with their live chat continuing to run and provide vital support to those who need it.
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.
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.
This charity for older LGBT people have a free telefriending (telephone befriending) service anyone aged over 50 can access. If you’re interested in volunteering, they need more volunteers!
- SERVICES FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS
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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.
UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group support those seeking asylum. They offer legal advice, and can support you during this time of uncertainty.
See other LGBT-inclusive groups and organisations.