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“Calm words,
when needed most”
Switchboard’s phones starting ringing in 1974 and they
are still ringing today, as one of the oldest LGBT+ charities
in the UK, we have been at the forefront of supporting our
communities for decades.
Whilst we were established to provide
vital signposting and information to LGBT+
communities, we are a service open to
all. We talk to people from all across the
UK, wishing to discuss issues ranging
from sexuality, gender identity, mental and
sexual health, isolation and more. Whether
this is a personal challenge or one facing
a friend or family member, we are here to
listen.
As a national helpline, we serve on
average 20,000 callers a year across
phone, instant messaging and email,
supporting people by giving them the
information they need to make informed
decisions. We would never tell someone
what to do. However you need to reach us,
you can, from 10am-10pm every day.
One thing that many people call about,
which they might not mention initially, is
loneliness, which is a major issue for LGBT+
people living in smaller communities around
Britain leading to high levels of isolation. First
and foremost, we try to make the caller feel
comfortable and safe. In practical terms, it
might be a case of finding out what LGBT+
groups or spaces are in their area, putting
them in contact with others or introducing
them to the enormous online community.
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Every call is unique, and Switchboard
prides itself on responding to the changing
needs of our communities by providing
a service that’s continually evolving and
relevant. A lot has certainly changed for
the LGBT+ community since the turn of the
millennium with the creation of the 2004
Gender Recognition Act, the 2010 Equality
Act and the 2013 Marriage (Same Sex
Couples) Act. But many people continue to
face discrimination based on their sexuality
or gender identity, while others lack the
much needed support that a charity such
as Switchboard can provide.
I remember one occasion at London
Pride on Switchboard’s stall, when a man
came up to me and said, “Thank you so
much, Switchboard saved my life”. It was
so powerful to realise that one phone call
can make all the difference.
We don’t know what issues the coming
decades will bring but we’re determined
to be here, answering people’s calls every
step of the way.
Natasha Walker, Trustee of Switchboard -
the LGBT+ Helpline
We can help you
talk through whatever’s
on your mind
phone us
Help us continue supporting
the LGBT+ Communities
TEXT LGBT41 £2/£5/£10 to 70700
to donate now e.g. LGBT41 £5
instant messaging
www.switchboard.lgbt
email
[email protected]
From coming out to going out, to
falling in love and making new
friends. From sexual health to mental
health and everything in between.
Whatever the call, for confidential
information and support you can
talk to us.
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