resources
The following websites and resources may be of particular use or interest to young people and their supporters / carers.
urgent help
Samaritans
Samaritans is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The phone number is free to call. There are also local branches in Plymouth, Exeter, Torquay and Barnstaple (all currently closed due to COVID-19).
Call 116 123
Email jo@samaritans.org
Mindline Trans+
Mindline Trans+ is an emotional and mental health support helpline for anyone who identifies as LGBT+, as well as their friends and family. The helpline is open Mondays and Fridays 8pm—midnight.
Call 0300 330 5468
switchboard
Switchboard offers support to the LGBT+ community. Get help with whatever you want to talk about – nothing is off limits. All volunteers are LGBT+. The helpline is open daily 10am—10pm.
Call 0300 330 0630 or use webchat
lgbt foundation
The LGBT Foundation operates a long-running helpline which aims to offer support and advice on a range of topics. The helpline is currently operating weekdays 9am—9pm, weekends 10am—6pm.
Call 0345 3 30 30 30
young minds
YoungMinds runs a 24/7 text helpline for young people, plus a helpline for adults who may be worried about a young person, available weekdays 9:30am—4pm.
Text YM to 85258 (text helpline); call 0808
802 5544 (parents helpline)
South West Links
space LGBT+
Space Youth Project runs regular, free youth groups all across Dorset, in Bournemouth, Poole, Dorchester, Weymouth, Beaminster, and Sherborne, for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and questioning young people.
proud2be
Proud2Be is a social enterprise that supports LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and/or questioning+) people in Devon and beyond, to lead empowered, fulfilled and authentic lives.
It’s ok 2bu
It’s OK 2BU - If you're a young person living in Somerset, you may find that being Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender, or questioning your sexuality or gender identity can be difficult. This site is for you, have a wee look around.
Yay!
YAY! Cornwall (Young and Yourself) - The youth group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Questioning young people up to the age of 25 who live, work or who are visiting, at school or college in Cornwall . YAY was set up by LGBTQ Youth Cornwall in 2008 and in 2018 amalgamated with the Intercom Trust to continue and expand the provision of the LGBTQ+ Youth Group for Cornwall.
intercom Trust
Intercom Trust provides a wide range of help, support and advocacy for LGBT people.
Intercom Helpline 0800 612 3010
NORTH DEvon sunrise
We are a dynamic grassroots community organisation in a remote rural area. We provide activities, services and events for people living across Northern Devon, including those of diverse identities such as minority ethnic groups, disabled people,and the LGBT+ community. We are passionate about challenging and transforming prejudice, discrimination and abusive practices so all people feel safe, included and valued within their own and the wider community.
LGBT Young People
stonewall youth
Stonewall Youth is a site especially focused on issues affecting LGBT young people, including guidance on coming out, homophobic bullying, and other key equality issues. They also have a support helpline: Stonewall Helpline 08000 502020
it gets better
The It Gets Better Project's mission is to communicate to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth around the world that it gets better, and to create and inspire the changes needed to make it better for them. It does get better!
lgbt Archive
The LGBT Archive is an encyclopedia of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans history in the United Kingdom. LGBT History Month is celebrated throughout February each year.
Education Support & Guidance
stonewall
Stonewall has loads of resources for teachers, youth workers, parents, and young people about tackling homophobia in schools and celebrating difference.
College Educated
College Educated has lots of LGBTQ College Student Resources in their guide.
each
EACH (Educational Action Challenging Homophobia) works to affirm the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and reduce discrimination experienced because of sexual orientation or gender identity. In particular they have support to challenge homophobic bullying.
Mermaids
Mermaids has been supporting transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse children, young people, and their families since 1995.
Gender Identity Webites
gires
GIRES (Gender Identity Research and Education Society) is a great place for young people and families to find out info about gender identity.
gi
Gendered Intelligence is a community interest company that looks to engage people in debates about gender. They work predominantly within young people's settings and have produced useful resources for youth groups.
Websites for Family and Friends
pink families
Pink Families are families that involve LGBT individuals in some way, be they parents, children, mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, sisters, great uncles and aunts, brothers, nieces, nephews, grandmas, grandpas, and so on.