Useful Links

These are other organisations that you may find of interest.

For LGBT organisations meeting at London Friend see External User Groups.

Other LGBT Helplines in the UK
Safer Sex, STI's and HIV and AIDS
Cultural, Ethnic and Religious Groups
Drugs & Alcohol Advice
LGBT Domestic Violence and Homophobic Hate Crimes
Groups representing Transgender People
Groups representing LGBT disabled people
Youth Groups
Organisations for Older LGBT People
Bisexual Groups and Resources
Other Charities
LGBT Magazines and Businesses
LGBT Information Resources

Other LGBT Helplines in the UK

If you would like to know more about the London Friend helplines, please click here.

Beaumont Trust
The Beaumont Trust is a charitable educational resource for medical, voluntary and lay people who require to increase their knowledge on the subjects of transsexualism and transvestism and offers support to those affected by the issues. They operate a helpline two evenings a week.
Helpline: 07000 287878 (07000 BTRUST) (Tuesdays & Thursdays 7pm-11pm)

Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard
Brighton's Lesbian & Gay Switchboard has been providing a service to the lesbian and gay communities since April 26th 1975. They also provide face-to-face counselling with professional counsellors who are all lesbians or gay men, and a youth project aimed at meeting the needs of lesbian and gay youth under 26.
Helpline: 01273 204050 (5pm-11pm daily)

Crosslynx Helpline
The Crosslynx National Transgender Helpline provides a contact point for anyone with questions relating to transgender issues. It can provide information, contacts, or even just the opportunity to chat about being transgendered.
Helpline: 0141 847 0787 (Mondays 7.30pm-9.30pm)

Diversitay
Diversitay LGBT Group, originally called Dundee LGB Switchboard, has provided confidential support and information since 1994 to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people as well as to people who may be questioning their sexuality. They also offer support to anyone struggling to come to terms with the fact that a friend or relative may be LGBT. Diversitay is the only fully inclusive LGBT group specifically serving the Tayside area in Scotland.
Helpline: 01382 20 26 20 (Mondays 7pm-9pm)

London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard (LLGS)
London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard provides an information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men, bisexual, trans people and anyone who needs to consider issues around sexuality. As well as the telephone helpline service, which has been provided since 1974, LLGS now offers instant messaging and email support.
Helpline: 0300 330 0630 (10am-11pm daily)
NB: 0300 numbers are charged at the same rate as local calls, even from mobiles, and are included in both landline and mobile bundles.

Strathclyde Lesbian & Gay Switchboard (SGLS)
Strathclyde Lesbian & Gay Switchboard was established in 1976 as a support service for people in the West of Scotland experiencing problems relating to sexuality. Today Strathclyde Lesbian and Gay Switchboard provides confidential information and support for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgendered people, cross-dressers and their families and friends - in fact, anyone who is considering issues around sexuality.
Helpline: 0141 847 0447 (7pm-10pm daily)
Lesbian Line: 0141 847 0547 (Wednesdays 7.30pm-10pm)
Homophobic Crime Reporting Line: 0141 847 0647 (24-hour answerphone, staffed some evenings)

Safer Sex, STI's and HIV and AIDS

Avert
AVERT is an international HIV and AIDS charity based in the UK, with the aim of AVERTing HIV and AIDS worldwide.

GMFA
GMFA is a London-based, volunteer-led gay men's health organisation.

Positive East
Positive East is a leading community-based HIV charity that was formed in 2005 from the merger between The London East AIDS Network (LEAN) and The Globe Centre. By building on more than 20 years of experience in the successful delivery of services, they provide practical and emotional support for people living with and affected by HIV in East London. Positive East also helps to educate the public around HIV-related issues.

Naz Project
Naz Project London provides sexual health and HIV prevention and support services to the South Asian, Middle Eastern, North African, Horn of African and Latin American communities in London.

Terrence Higgins Trust
THT is the leading and largest HIV and sexual health charity in the UK, delivering health promotion campaigns, and national and local services directly to people affected by HIV or at risk. It was one of the first charities to be set up in response to the HIV epidemic and has been at the forefront of the fight against HIV and improving the nation's sexual health ever since.
Helpline: 0808 802 1221
African Emotional Support: 020 8846 1579

For GUM clinic listings go to London Friend Resources

Cultural, Ethnic and Religious Groups

Jewish Gay & Lesbian Group
Jewish Gay & Lesbian Group is the longest established Jewish LGBT group in the world, providing support and social events for Jewish lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender and their partners.

IMAAN (Islamic Gay group, formerly Al-Fatiha)
A mixed social support group with advice and information for LGBT Muslim communities within the UK and abroad.

Lesbian & Gay Christian Movement (LGCM)
A membership based international ecumenical organisation open to all irrespective of sexual orientation challenging homophobia in the Churches and other Christian communities. We offer support, counselling, publications, groups, conferences and networking opportunities focussed on creating an inclusive Church and welcoming congregations.

Long Yang Club (LYC)
Long Yang Club is a social and support group that provides a fun and relaxed safe space for gay and bisexual Oriental men and their friends.

Quest
A group for gay men and lesbians who want to sustain and increase Christian belief among homosexual men and women.

UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group
Provides information and advice on immigration rights for same-sex couples and support for lesbian & gay asylum seekers.

Drugs & Alcohol Advice

Antidote @ London Friend (LGBT Drug and Alcohol Service)
A free and confidential drug and alcohol service for the LGBT community, offering a drop-in space, alternative therapies, one-to-one advice, group work and key work, as well as counselling and advocacy.
Tel: 020 7833 1674 (London Friend)

Drug & Alcohol Service for London
DASL is a registered charity providing services for people with drug and alcohol problems across the London Boroughs of Newham, Tower Hamlets, Redbridge and Bexley. With over 25 years experience of providing substance misuse, education, training and outreach services, DASL has developed innovative projects working with Black and Asian communities, lesbians and gay men, older people and people in contact with the criminal justice system. They are also very experienced in supporting people with difficulties related to mental health as well as people experiencing domestic violence.

LGBT Domestic Violence and Homophobic Hate Crimes

Broken Rainbow
Broken Rainbow is a UK-wide helpline service for LGBT people experiencing domestic violence, a confidential listening, information and signposting service. Opening hours for the helpline are:

• Mon 2pm-8pm
• Wed 10am-1pm
• Thur 2pm-8pm

GALOP
Galop is London's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community safety charity. They work to prevent and challenge homophobic and transphobic hate crime in Greater London and campaign to improve the criminal justice system and the service provision for those affected by homophobic and transphobic violence.

Groups representing Transgender people

Beaumont Society
The Beaumont Society is a national self-help body run by and for those who cross-dress or are trans-sexual. It is the largest and longest-established transgender support group in the UK, having developed a support network which has been at the forefront of the transgender, transvestite, transsexual and cross-dressing community since 1966. All transgender people and their partners are welcome to the meetings, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, creed or colour.

FTM London
FTM London is a self-help group run by FTMs for FTMs. It is a safe place where people can come together and discuss their trans status. FTM London is open to all transmen and anyone who identifies, thinks they might identify or wants to explore their identity as a female-to-male transgendered or transsexual person.

GIRES - Gender Identity Research and Education Society
Promotes and communicates research and provides education to all those in a position to improve the lives of people affected by gender identity and intersex issues.

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

Spectrum London
Spectrum London is a peer-support group for all trans people and those questioning their gender, along with their partners, family, friends and allies. Although based in Camden, London, some members travel from outside the capital and beyond. All are welcome to come and have a chat and a cup of tea in a safe and comfortable space.

Groups representing LGBT disabled people

GEMMA
To lessen the isolation of disabled lesbian and bisexual women via a national friendship network, quarterly newsletter and socials. Newsletter is in standard print, large print, tape and Braille. Membership is disabled and non-disabled women (minimum age 16).
Post: GEMMA, BM Box 5700, London WC1N 3XX
Email: gemmagroup@hotmail.com

GLAMS (MS Group)
GLAMS is a self help group of lesbians and gay men with MS, which provides social, informational and practical help for its members. The group organises occasional events and provides a regular newsletter. Founded in 1996 with the help of the MS Society. It has it's own pages within the MS Society web site.

REGARD
The national organisation of disabled lesbians, gay men and transgendered people.

Youth Groups

LMO (Let Me Out) (South London)
LMO is a social and support youth group based in Merton for young people aged between 14 and 21 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered or questioning their sexuality. Friends are also welcome to the meetings.
Tel: 07754 759 619

Metro Centre Youth Groups (South East London)
The Metro Youth Service (MYS) at the Metro Centre provides free and confidential services to young LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and those questioning their sexuality or gender) people in South East London. Metro Youth runs a range of different groups, each providing a unique range of activities and opportunities to socialise with other young LGBTQ people.
Tel: 020 8305 5000

Mosaic (North West London)
Mosaic LGBT Youth Project provides LGBTQ young people with the opportunity to meet other young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or think they might be, aged 13 to 19, every week in a North West London location. The group provides a space for people to make friends, socialise and take part in activities like theatre and cinema trips.
Tel: 08000 433 411

OutZone (North London)
OutZone is a youth project for gay & bisexual men aged 25 and under. It is a safe & confidential service provided by the youth work staff team from PACE.
Tel: 020 8348 1785

shOUT! (South London)
shOUT! is a charity offering information and support to young Londoners on a number of issues affecting young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered or questioning their sexuality (LGBTQ). It also offer workshops and training for professionals and young people on all issues affecting LGBTQ young people, including homophobia and homophobic bullying.
Tel: 07754 759 619 (Shar, Youth Worker)

Talksafe
Talksafe is a safe place where young people can find out facts and get help with their problems. A service offered by Terrence Higgins Trust, Talksafe is a counselling and peer-mentoring service for 10- to 18-year-olds across London, which is delivered face-to-face, online and through text.
Tel: 0808 802 1221 (THT)

YGM (Youth Group Resource Website for Young Gay Men)
Information on youth group listings, scene survival guide, real life stories, drug and alcohol info and games and quizzes.
Tel: 0808 802 1221 (THT)

Your Zone (Ealing)
Safe space for LGBT youth to meet and have fun, with support, advice, counselling, sexual health information, social nights and trips. Under 16s welcome.
Tel: 020 8896 3673 / 07985 126 442 (Mon-Fri 10am-5pm)
Email: yourzone@ealing.gov.uk

Organisations for Older LGBT People

CAFFMOS
Launched in 1998, Caffmos is one of the longest-running dating sites on the web for older gay men and their admirers.

Opening Doors London
Opening Doors London aims to specifically meet the needs of older LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) communities and is aimed at men and women who identify as LGBT and are over the age of 50.

Bisexual Groups and Resources

Bi Coffee London
A bisexual group meeting at a cafe in central London on the first Saturday of each month. Newcomers, quiet people and children are most welcome.

Bisexual Underground
A London-based relaxed and friendly pub meet for bisexuals and their friends, meeting on the second Tuesday of each month.

London Bisexuals
A safe and friendly social environment for those who identify as bisexual, who are partners with someone who is, or who are just plain curious, to meet, hang out, chat, enjoy company, and feel part of a community. Anyone is welcome as long as they respect other members and their identities.

bi.org
A directory of bisexual resources.

Other Charities

Albert Kennedy Trust
AKT support several hundred young people every year who have experienced domestic violence or have been made homeless just for being brave enough to come out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans to their parents or carers.

ELOP (East London Out Project)
ELOP is a holistic lesbian and gay centre based in East London that offers a range of social, emotional and support services to LGBT communities. The core services include counselling and young people’s services.

FFLAG (Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
FFLAG is an organisation of parents of lesbian daughters and gay sons which seeks to promote the well-being of lesbian, gay and bisexual people, their families and friends.

Kairos in Soho
Promoting the well-being of body, mind and spirit for lesbians, gay men and their friends.

Metro Centre
The Metro Centre Ltd aims to work with self-identified lesbian/gay/bisexual people and those who cannot express their sexuality due to homophobia and heterosexism. It aims to provide services including support, advice, information, events, education, training, and infra-structure to empower both the individual and the community. Based in Greenwich, it works primarily in South-East London.

PACE
An organisation which responds to the emotional, mental and physical health needs of lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans people in the Greater London area.

Samaritans
It doesn't matter who you are - If you are in crisis, despairing or suicidal, contacting the Samaritans can make all the difference to talk about how you are feeling.
Helpline: 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours)

Survivors UK
Supports and provides resources for men who have experienced any form of sexual violence. We aim to actively promote awareness of both the prevalence and effect of the sexual abuse and rape on boys and men.
Helpline: 0845 122 1201 (Tuesday & Thursday 7pm-10pm)

Overeaters Anonymous
Overeaters Anonymous is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience, strength and hope, are recovering from compulsive overeating.

WISH
WISH is a UK-based charity that provides long-term, gender-sensitive support services in England and Wales to women who have mental health needs. The focus of WISH’s work is to support women in their journey through the prison and the secure hospital system into the community. WISH pursues its aims in a number of ways, these include providing advocacy for women; building long term, sustainable relationships with women to support them to have a voice in their own treatment and care; delivering training and conferences to practitioners and health care staff; offering a consultancy service; conducting research; providing access to education and training; promoting community inclusion; and campaigning for the rights of women with mental health needs to be recognized and addressed.

LGBT Magazines and Businesses

Diva Direct
Web shop with a wide range of lesbian books, films, toys and gifts online.

Diva Magazine
Whether you are just coming out or just want to keep up-to-date, DIVA is the only place to check out the latest news, reviews and scene info.

Gay Times Magazine
The UK’s leading gay life and style magazine… from the latest news, reviews and fashion to a comprehensive national scene and travel guide.

Gay's The Word Lesbian & Gay Bookstore
The only gay and lesbian bookstore in the UK with a wide range of academic, gender studies, fiction, history, religion books plus plenty of DVD's. Worldwide mailorder. Gay's the Word's Lesbian Discussion Group meets in the bookstore every Wednesday at 8pm.

LGBT Information Resources

LGBT Online Resource Guide
A very useful directory of LGBT information sources (including links to LGBT history, rights, communities and support) from our friends across the Atlantic.