Below are organisations and services offering support for LGBTQIA+ people. Some are UK-wide, and some are specific to London and/or Greater Manchester, where we primarily work.
If you need urgent help
Helplines and listening support
LGBT Foundation Helpline
Information, advice and emotional support for LGBTQ+ people, based in Manchester.
- 0345 3 30 30 30
- Mon–Fri 9am–8:30pm, weekends 10am–5:30pm
- helpline@lgbt.foundation
Switchboard LGBTQ+ Helpline
A national, confidential listening service run by LGBTQ+ volunteers.
- 0800 0119 100 (free)
- Every day, 10am–10pm
- Email and webchat available
Mindline Trans+
A listening service for trans, non-binary, genderqueer and gender-questioning people, run by Mind.
- 0300 330 5468
- Friday evenings (please check the website for current times)
Mermaids
Support for trans, non-binary and gender-diverse young people (up to age 20) and their families.
- 0808 801 0400 (free)
- Mon & Wed 10:30am–6pm, Tue & Thu 1pm–8:30pm
Abuse, hate crime and housing
Galop
The LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, with three specialist helplines.
- Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428 (free), Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Wed & Thu until 8pm
- Hate Crime Helpline: 020 7704 2040, Mon–Fri 10am–4pm
- Conversion Therapy Helpline: 0800 130 3335 (free), Mon–Fri 10am–4pm
AKT (Albert Kennedy Trust)
Support for LGBTQ+ young people aged 16–25 who are homeless or in a hostile living environment.
- Self-referral form and live chat on the website
- gethelp@akt.org.uk
Young people
42nd Street – LGBTQ+ Collective
A youth-led group for LGBTQ+ young people aged 13–25 in Greater Manchester, from the young people’s mental health charity 42nd Street.
The Proud Trust
Youth groups and support for LGBTQ+ young people in Greater Manchester, including Proud Young Adults (18–25) on Thursdays, 4–7pm at The Proud Place, Sidney Street.
- 0161 660 3347
- youthgroups@theproudtrust.org
Project Indigo (Off Centre, Hackney)
For LGBTQIA+ young people aged 13–25 in Hackney: a weekly youth group (16–25), one-to-one keywork, peer mentoring and therapeutic support. Self-referrals welcome.
Counselling and therapy
London Friend
LGBTQ+ counselling, groups and social activities, delivered by trained LGBT volunteers.
- 020 7833 1674
- office@londonfriend.org.uk
Pink Therapy
A directory of therapists who work with gender, sexual and relationship diversity.
Groups and communities
Rainbow Noir
A Manchester group by and for queer people of colour, for socialising, discussion and activism.
African Rainbow Family
Support and community for LGBTQI+ people of African heritage, including asylum seekers and refugees.
Sparkle
The national transgender charity, run by volunteers, and organisers of the annual Sparkle Weekend in Manchester.
Rainbow Grow
An LGBTQ+-led community gardening group in Hackney, meeting weekly at Cordwainers Garden, E8.
Older and Bolder
A social group for gay and bi men over 40, run by LGBT Foundation in Manchester.
ELOP – East London’s LGBTQ Centre
Community space and activities for LGBTQ+ people in East London.
- 020 7064 6500
- admin@LGBTQconsortium.org.uk
