Support for our LGBTIQ community

We celebrate our LGBTIQ+ colleagues and know there are specific challenges you face if you identify as part of that community. With this in mind, we have collected wellbeing resources on this page that specifically provide support for people identifying as LGBTIQ+.

If you, or your friends, family or colleagues are interested in mental health support for LGBTIQ+ people, here are some useful starting points. Huge thanks to Dr Jaime Willo who provided some of these resources.

Local Services

BeYOU – Berkshire Lesbian & Gay Information Network - Helpline, Drop-in and information for LGBTQI+ adults

Florey Clinic – Sexual health service for all ages at the Royal Berkshire Hospital

My Umbrella LGBT – Reading and Thames Valley signposting organisation to LGBTQI+ Information

Reach Out – Reading LGBTQI+ safe space, activities, and youth group for young people (13-18 years old)

R-Trans – Reading and Berkshire peer support group for trans people

Support U – Signposting charity for LGBTQI+ resources in the Thames Valley

Spectrum – Slough-based support around sexuality for young people

 

National Services

CliniQ – Offering a holistic sexual health, mental health and wellbeing service for trans people, their partners, and friends.

FFLAG – National voluntary organisation dedicated to supporting parents and their LGBT children.

Galop – Support for LGBTQI+ people who are victims of abuse. They have various helplines depending on the type of abuse as well as an online community and advocacy services.     

Gendered Intelligence – A not-for-profit specialising in supporting trans people under the age of 21 and support for their parents and carers.

GIRES – Charity promoting rights for transgender individuals as well as advice and training for professionals

LGBT Hero - For tailored advice, support, fact sheets, forums and more about wellbeing if you’re LGBTQI+

LGBT Foundation offers a range of services, support and information to LGBT people.  Phone: 0345 3 30 30 30 (Daily 10am-10pm) 

Mermaids – Charity supporting trans young people and their families

MIND – Mental Health charity with good LGBTIQ+ mental health resources

MindOut - Global online chat support for LGBTQI+ people aged 18+. Times where the chat is open vary on a weekly basis

NHS information and Support: Gender Identity - People with Gender Dysphoria, or those with children with Gender Dysphoria, are advised by the NHS to contact their GP as a first step. More information available on the NHS information page

Opening Doors – National charity connecting LGBTQ+ people over 50 years old with activities, events, support and information

Pearn Kandola – Host various webinars and have resources for LGBTQI+ people and their allies

Stonewall - Offer help and advice for people who may be LGBTQI+ on a range of subjects, including coming out and hate crime

Switchboard - Provide an information, support and referral service for anyone who needs to consider issues around their sexuality

The Consortium of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Voluntary and Community Organisations - Searchable directory of services for LGBTQI+ individuals