COVID-19: Help and Advice
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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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.
Have an info line 0300 123 3393, provide information on their website and a network of 20 local minds across Wales.
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.
Provide a helpline for children and young people on 0808 80 23456. You can also text on 84001.
Call 0800 1111. Lines are open 24/7. For young people up to 19 years old.
- I need to look after my own mental 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.
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.
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.
Online youth services and support.
London Friend is running a four-week Lockdown Remedy Group to help people look after their mental health and wellbeing.
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.
Rainbow Project (Northern Ireland only)
Support for mental health and wellbeing, with an initial assessment and referrals to specialist help.
SAMH – Scottish Association for Mental Health (Scotland only)
Help and support for mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tips, advice and guidance on getting mental health support during the COVID-19 pandemic
A social group for PoC and BAME people that meets every month in Cardiff.
Provide support around gender or sexual diversity, identity or equality.
- 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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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.
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.
- 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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Emergency housing advice and support for 16-25-year-olds.
Homeless Link (England only)
Search for homelessness services and support across England.
Housing advice during the COVID-19 pandemic for England, Scotland and Shelter Cymru.
- I need housing support …
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Housing support for LGBT people.
LGBTQ+ community centre in London, with shelter and online activities and support
Resources and support for young LGBT+ people, aged 16-25, experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment.
- 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.
Support, advice and information on immigration or asylum for LGBT+ people.
Phone support for refugees and asylum seekers.
Their aim is to help Refugees and Asylum Seekers integrate within their local community.
Provide an online space for LGBT asylum seekers and refugees to meet.