Mental health resources for the LGBTQ+ community

Navigating mental health can be difficult for everyone, but for many queer people, there are often added barriers to consider. 

We've put together a list of free and affordable mental health resources that you, or someone you know, might find helpful.

Not all of these organisations are explicitly queer, but many are - it’s up to you which to contact. We understand that as a queer person, there's often a concern that a GP, youth worker or therapist won't understand what you're going through. We want you to know that you're not alone.

Mental Health resources for the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual community:

  • The LGBT Foundation offers free talking therapies online and via telephone, giving access to LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy and counselling with an LGBTQ+ specialist therapist. 
  • Tips and information from Mind provide LGBTQ+ mental health guidance and support.
  • 42nd Street are a mental health charity that provides free and confidential services to young people who are experiencing mental health difficulties in Manchester. 
  • Pink Therapy is an online directory of qualified therapists who identify as/or are understanding of minority sexual and gender identities.
  • Anxiety UK has a series of free mental health and anxiety specific resources. They also have a page for information on financial support and hardship grants.
  • QueerCare network are an organisation that provide community support around all aspects of navigating the healthcare service as a queer person.
  • Peer Advocacy in Mental Health is an Irish advocacy network working across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. 
  • ‘Every Mind Matters’ campaign by the NHS has a questionnaire to help tailor a plan that is specific to your needs.
  • Groundswell offer an advocacy service if you are homeless and in need of mental health support and advice on how to attend doctors appointments. You can contact them by phone on 020 7725 2851 or by email at [email protected].  

Support groups for the LGBTQ+ community:

  • Outcome by Islington Mind, runs a specialist mental health service for LGBTQ+ people. It provides a place to learn new skills in a supportive atmosphere.
  • Hidayah's projects and activities are developed specifically for the needs of LGBTQ+ Muslims. Their mission is to provide welfare and mental health support.
  • Stonewall's website provides details of LGBTQ+ mental health services and community groups that are local to you.
  • The Proud Trust are an LGBTQ+ youth focused charity who run social groups and a webchat. 

Mental Health resources for the Trans* community:

Trans* in this resource refers to all transgender, non-binary and other gender diverse identities.

  • Pink Therapy is an online directory of qualified therapists who identify as/or are understanding of minority sexual and gender identities.
  • Mermaids provide a helpline and web chat service aimed at supporting transgender and gender-diverse young people aged 19 or under. 
  • LGBT Consortium has a directory of services for trans people.
  • CliniQ is a Community Interest Company who offer a holistic sexual health, mental health, and wellbeing service for all trans people, partners, and friends. 
  • Spectra deliver supportive, knowledgeable, non-judgemental peer-based services to under-served communities in London. 
  • Loving me is a charitable organisation which offers support to trans and non-binary survivors of domestic abuse. 
  • Trans Healthcare Intel has a map you can use to search for trans friendly GPs who may be willing to offer shared care with a private service provider. 
  • Terrence Higgins Trust has a list of trans resources including charities, mental health support, places to buy binders and support services for those with HIV. 

Support groups for the Trans community:

Mental health helplines for the LGBTQ+ community:

  • The Mix is a free support service for anyone under the age of 25. You can contact them via email at [email protected].
  • MindLine Trans+ offers mental health support to all trans and gender diverse people. Contact them on 0300 330 5468 (Mondays and Fridays, 8pm-midnight).
  • SANE is a national mental health helpline offering specialist guidance to anyone affected by mental illness. They are open every day of the year from 4pm-10pm and on 0300 304 7000. 
  • Galop LGBT+ Hate Crime Helpline is here for anyone who has experienced an anti-LGBT+ hate crime.
  • LGBT Helpline Scotland offers information and emotional support to the entire LGBTQ+ community across Scotland, including queer, intersex and asexual people.
  • MindOut offer online mental health support to LGBTQ+ people across the UK.
  • LGBT+ switchboard can be contacted on 0800 0119 100 (Open 10:00-22:00 every day) or chat to them online.

Open 24/7:

  • Shout is a free service that you can contact 24/7 for immediate support. Text ‘Shout’ to 85258 to talk to a trained volunteer about your next steps. 
  • Samaritans is a helpline open to offer support 24/7. It's a space to talk about anything that is upsetting you. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone) or email [email protected].

How to register with a GP:

GPs can also provide treatment for mental health problems and offer long-term care and support.

Here's how to register to your local GP:

1 - Find a GP near to you, enter your postcode and you'll see a list of GPs to choose from. Bear in mind that some GP practices only accept patients from a certain map area, called a practice boundary. If you're not sure if you're in the practice boundary, look at their website - they usually have this information in the 'new patients' section. If you're still not sure, get in touch with them.

2 - If you're eligible to join, you'll usually be asked to fill out a form called a GMS form. You'll also be asked to provide proof of address and proof of identity. If you're unsure about what documents to provide, or need help filling in the forms, get in touch with an akt Caseworker. The practice may also have their own forms they'd like you to fill in.

3 - You do not have to provide ID when registering with a GP, but it is helpful to do so. It is helpful if you can provide at least one of these documents when registering with your GP: passport, birth certificate, HC2 certificate, rough sleepers’ identity badge, hostel registration/mail forwarding letter.

You should not be refused registration or appointments because you do not have a proof of address or personal identification at hand - it's not considered a reasonable ground to refuse registration. This also applies if you're an asylum seeker, refugee, homeless patient or overseas visitor, whether lawfully in the uk or not.

4 - The registration process can take up to a couple of weeks, but it's usually a few days.

Getting help during a crisis:

If you feel like you're at risk of attempting suicide or harming yourself, this is a serious mental health emergency. Please:

  • Call 999 who will send out an ambulance. 
  • Go to A&E, if you are able and have access to transport.
  • Call your local crisis team immediately - if you don't already have their number, you can find an urgent mental health helpline on the NHS website

If you're not able to do this yourself, reach out and ask a trusted person to help you.

If you find you are feeling suicidal you should discuss it with a doctor as soon as possible. if you feel in crisis right now, you can contact the samaritans on 116 123 (freephone).

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