Support Services & Useful Links

Stonewall, is an organisation that stands for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace (LGBTQ+) people everywhere.
Campaigning as part of a global movement since 1989, they have helped create transformative change in the lives of LGBTQ+ people across communities in the UK.

They offer a range of training and resources for schools and workplaces to make them more inclusive and have some training and support available for individuals and communities as well.

Website Link - Stonewall Cymru

The LGBT+ Cymru Helpline is a service based in Swansea that provides counselling service for Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Trans, Intersex, Allies & families in Wales.

They can offer support with legal services, relationship mediation and counselling, for those that cannot afford private access to counselling in all types of therapies free of charge or £15 per session for those that can afford to make a contribution.

Their helpline operates every Wednesday, between 10am and 3pm. Please leave a voicemail outside of these times, they're checked regularly, and they aim to have a response for you within 24 hours. Their freephone is 0800 917 9996.

LGBT+ Cymru Helpline & Counselling Service to also run GoodVibes in collaboration with YMCA Swansea. GoodVibes is a safe and friendly place for LGBT+ young people and allies, from the ages of 11 – 25, to hang out and make new friends, in a confidential environment, to be away from prejudice. This project runs every Tuesday 5.30-7.30pm in the YMCA in Swansea. You can find out more about this project by emailing sam@lgbtcymru.org.uk

To find out more you can email info@LGBTCymru.org.uk or call 01792 650777.

Website Link - LGBT+ Cymru Helpline

Glitter Cymru was set up in June 2016 as a monthly meet-up group for people who identify under the following two acronyms: BAME meaning Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and LGBT+ meaning Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans. It is a Cardiff-based organisation that offers regular zoom meetings and other themed events.

Website Link - Home | Glitter Cymru

Umbrella Cymru are gender and sexual diversity, equality and inclusion specialists in Wales. You can request support via a self-referral, and they offer practical advice, counselling, advocacy, advice and guidance, information and signposting. They can also help support you with a deed poll application.

They have a range of support groups which you can join:

- Embrace is their support and social group for parents, carers, guardians, friends and family members of trans, non-binary and gender diverse young people. The group meets online on the last Tuesday of the month. It runs from 7pm until 8.30pm. 

- #FreeToBe is a social and peer support group aimed at LGBTQ+ young people and allies aged 11-18 in Wales. 

- #UnderTheUmbrella is a closed facebook group that shares LGBTQ+ news and information and is a space for people to share and chat with others.

You can text them for support at 07520645700, call their office on 0300 302 3670 (leave a voicemail with your contact details if no-one answers and they will call you back).
You can also email support enquiries to support@umbrellacymru.co.uk or general enquiries to info@umbrellacymru.co.uk

Website Link - Umbrella Cymru – Gender and Sexual Diversity Support Specialists in Wales

The LGBT+ Switchboard is a confidential and supportive listening service that has been running since 1974. They have supported people on a wide range of topics such as; coming out, relationship and family issues, issues at work or college, safer sex and sexual health, having sex for the first time and looking for LGBT+ venues, social or support groups.

You can reach out via email hello@switchboard.lgbt and they aim to reply within 5 days.

You can also call them on 0800 0119 100 (open 365 days a year 10am to 10pm). Live chat is also available on their website.

Website Link - Homepage | Switchboard

The LGBT+ Switchboard recommends reaching out to Shout or the Crisis Text Line if you need them outside of their open hours.