LGBTQ+ support organisations

London-based support organisations

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline

Switchboard provides information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men and bisexual and trans people—and anyone considering issues around their sexuality and/or gender identity

Helpline: 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day)

London Friend

Provides counselling and support service for LGBT+ communities. Runs a range of support groups and social activities for example for lesbians/bisexual women, for black, asian and BME women, a non-scene men’s group.

86 Caledonia Road
Kings Cross
N1 9DN

Helpline: 020 7837 3337
T: 020 7833 1674 (office)
E: W: www.londonfriend.org.uk

North West London Lesbian and Gay Group

A social activity group established in 1971 who welcome all members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. They meet every Tuesday from 8pm in the upstairs bar:

The Trinity
380 Station Road
Harrow HA1 2DE

E: 
W: www.nwlgay.com

Opening Doors London

Provides information and support services to and with older (50+) lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across London.

T: 020 7239 0400
E:
W: www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Galop

London’s LGBT anti-violence and abuse charity. They give advice and support to people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse. They also support lesbian, gay, bi, Trans and queer people who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system.

2G Leroy House
436 Essex Road
London
N1 3QP

Helpline: 020 7704 2040
T: 020 7704 6767
E:
W: www.galop.org.uk

The Bisexual Index

A collaborative network of activists and other UK bisexuals, working together for a change in the way people view bisexuality and bisexuals

c/o Unit 11 Angel Wharf
58 Eagle Wharf Road
London
N1 7ER

Twitter: www.twitter.com/bisexualindex
E:
W: www.bisexualindex.org.uk

Bi-UK

The UK national organisation for bisexual research and activism

T: 020 7929 7296 or 07813 686110
E:
W: www.biuk.org

Specific services for children and young people

Blue Harrow

An LGBT group for young people in Harrow aged 14–18 meets weekly to build friendships, discuss their sexuality and much more. Blue also provides one-to-one support for young people who are not ready to attend the group meetings

Contact: John Crispin
T: 07472 924370
E:
W: www.harrow.gov.uk/youth

Mosaic Youth Service

LGBT youth service operating in the London boroughs of Brent, Westminster and Ealing. For young people aged 13–19.

Contact: Lukasz Konieczka (Director of Services)
T: 0800 161 5428 or 07550 124 393
E: W: www.mosaicyouth.org.uk

Gendered Intelligence (GI)

Gendered Intelligence runs arts programmes, creative workshops, mentoring, youth group sessions and camping trips for trans youth (under 25) across the UK. London-based meetings are in Camden.

Contact: Jay Stewart (CEO)
W: genderedintelligence.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GenderedIntelligence
Twitter: @JayAStewart

Mermaids

Support and information for children and teenagers who are trying to cope with gender identity issues and for their families and carers.

T: 0844 334 0550
E:
W: www.mermaidsuk.org.uk

Albert Kennedy Trust

Organisation focused on the housing needs of LGBTQI young people.

48 The Chocolate Studios
7 Sheperdess Place
London
N1 7LJ

T: 020 7831 6562
W: www.akt.org.uk

Services for friends and family support

Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays (FFLAG)

FFLAG is a national organisation dedicated to supporting parents and their lesbian, gay and bisexual daughters and sons. They offer support through a central telephone helpline, email and website.

Helpline: 0854 652 0311 (9am–9pm)
E:
W: www.fflag.org.uk

Depend

An organisation offering free, confidential and non-judgmental advice, information and support to all family members, partners, spouses and friends of transsexual people

BM Depend
London
WC1N 3XX

E:
W: www.depend.org.uk

Families Together London

A London-based support group for the parents of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

T: 020 8874 4214 or 07986 087 975
E:
W: www.familiestogetherlondon.com

Alcohol and drugs services

Antidote

The UK’s only LGBT run and targeted drug and alcohol support service which works in partnership with NHS and other services. See website for services and locations.

Helpline: 020 7833 1674 (Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm)
E: W: londonfriend.org.uk/get-support/drugsandalcohol

Faith-based groups

OneBodyOneFaith (formerly Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement)

Christians challenging homophobia and providing support for LGBT Christians. Activities in various locations.

T: 01636 673 072
W: www.onebodyonefaith.org.uk

Safra Project

The Safra Project is working on issues relating to lesbian, bisexual and/or transgender women who identify as Muslim religiously and/or culturally (Muslim LBT women).

Facebook: www.facebook.com/safra-project-116664066494

Jewish Lesbian and Gay Group

Primarily a social rather than religious group and most of their religious events tend to follow Progressive/Reform traditions although they do have Orthodox members.

T: 07504 924742
E: 
W: www.jglg.org.uk

Imaan

Imaan supports LGBT Muslim people, their families and friends, to address issues of sexual orientation within Islam. It provides a safe space and support network to address issues of common concern. Runs an on-line network and monthly meetings in central London.

159 Mile End Road
London
E1 4AQ

Helpline:
T: 020 3393 5188
E:
W: www.imaan.org.uk

Persian LGBT Advisory Services

A national asylum and refugee organisation which provides support and assistance to Persian speakers such as Afghan, Tajikistan and Iranian Asylum seekers in the UK.

1 Piers Road
Handsworth
Birmingham
B21 0UY

Contact: Mr Mazyar (Maani) Shirali
T: 0844 772 1985
E: W: www.persianlgbt.org.uk

Gender identity/trans organisations

56T

56T offers a range of sexual health and wellbeing services for the trans and non-binary community, in a dedicated space. These services include sexual health screenings, hormone-monitoring blood tests, and PREP. The clinic runs from 16:30-19:00 every Wednesday evening. 

56 Dean Street (2nd Floor)
London
W1D 6AQ

T: 020 3315 5656
W: www.dean.st/trans-non-binary

GIRES

Aims to inform the wider public of issues surrounding gender identity and transsexualism. It is also a resource for gender dysphoric people and their families, medical and other professionals who provide their care.

T: 01372 801554
E:
W: www.gires.org.uk

The Gender Trust

Aims to inform the wider public of issues surrounding gender identity and transsexualism. It is also a resource for gender dysphoric people and their families, medical and other professionals who provide their care.

T: 01527 894 838
E:
W: www.gendertrust.org.uk

Gendered Intelligence (GI)

Gendered Intelligence runs arts programmes, creative workshops, mentoring, youth group sessions and camping trips for trans youth (under 25) across the UK. London-based meetings are in Camden.

Contact: Jay Stewart (CEO)
W: genderedintelligence.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GenderedIntelligence
Twitter: @JayAStewart

Transgenderzone

A UK-based web resource containing information on many aspects of trans living, including health and social care.

W: www.transgenderzone.com

FTM London

Offers advice and support to ‘female-to-male’ transsexual and transgender people, and to families and professionals. Practical information and meetings for members

BCM FTM London
London
WC1N 3XX

T: 07506 894 173
E:
W: www.ftmlondon.org.uk

Beaumont Society

Provides advice and support for transvestite people, but also has some transsexual members. Runs local groups and produces a newsletter and publications. The Society also keenly promotes the better understanding of the Transgender, transvestitism and gender dysphoria

27 Old Gloucester Street
London
WC1N 3XX

T: 01582 412220
W: www.beaumontsociety.org.uk

Spectra

Provides health and wellbeing services for trans* and non-binary people, from across London. Drop in groups, counselling, social sexual health services.

Spectra CIC
St Charles Centre for Health and Wellbeing
Exmoor Street
London
W10 6DZ

T: 0800 587 8302
E:
W: spectra-london.org.uk/trans-gender-services

TransPlus

TransPlus is a pilot gender dysphoria service started in July 2020, at 56 Dean Street. TransPlus is the UK’s first integrated NHS Gender Dysphoria, Sexual Health and HIV service. Services provided include assessment and diagnosis of gender dysphoria, hormone therapy, speech and language therapy, referrals for gender-affirming surgeries, and psychosexual therapy.  

56 Dean Street
London
W1D 6AQ

E: chelwest.transplusinfo@nhs.net
T: 020 3315 9576
W: www.wearetransplus.co.uk

Other specialist services

UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group

Helpline and support meetings offering information and advice for lesbians and gay men on claiming asylum and other immigration issues.

32-36 Loman Street
London
SE1 0EH

Helpline: 020 7922 7811 (Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm)
T: 020 7922 7812 (admin)
E:
W: www.uklgig.org.uk

Stonewall Housing

A specialist LGBT housing advice, referrals service and support provider. Providing housing support for LGBT people in their own homes, supported housing for young LGBT people, free confidential housing advice for LGBT people of all ages.

Helpline: 020 7359 5767
T: 020 7359 6242 (admin)
E:
W: www.stonewallhousing.org

Outcome

Outcome is an LGBT mental health service run through MIND in Islington, offering psychotherapy, counselling, art therapy, alternative therapies and activities.

Outcome
The Mind Spa
35 Ashley Road
London
N19 3AG

Contact: Sigal Avni
T: 020 7272 5038
E: W: www.islingtonmind.org.uk/our-services/outcome

Pink Law (Legal Advice Centre)

A free legal advice center for the LGBT community provided by volunteers from Queen Mary’s, University of London.

T: 020 7882 3931
E:

Alzheimer’s Society

Provides telephone support for lesbians and gay men caring for someone with dementia.

T: 0300 222 1122
E: W:

Lesbian and Gay Bereavement Project

A helpline that offers a listening ear to lesbians and gay men who have been bereaved or are preparing for bereavement. Run by London Friend.

Helpline: 020 7837 3337
W: www.londonfriend.org.uk

Contributors
George Vasilopoulos