Support in Somerset
The following support groups offer advice and assistance to the LGBTQ+ community in Somerset.
| Organisation | Description |
|---|---|
| Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline | COVID-19 is having a significant impact on many LGBTQ+ people with family tensions during lockdown, new levels of isolation and domestic abuse being some of the issues that have been highlighted. Switchboard LGBT+ helpline (0300 330 0630) is still open and they’re continuing to support those in need during this time. |
| Intercom Trust | Providing help against homophobic and transphobic prejudice, crime and discrimination. | Intercom Trust is a South-West based LGBT charity. Social distancing can make things all the more difficult for people who are lesbian, gay, bi or trans, as they already often experience high levels of isolation. The southwest-based LBGT charity, The Intercom Trust, is putting more resource into their helpline and counselling services. Their motto is ‘here for you’. Helpline: 0800 612 3010. |
| Mindline Trans + | Mind in Somerset | Mindline Trans+ is a confidential emotional, mental health support helpline and signposting service for people who identify as Trans, A Gender, Gender Fluid, Non-binary. They provide a safe place to talk about your feelings confidentially. They don’t record calls or ask for any personal details. Their listeners will try to understand the multitude of feelings and concerns that may be going on for you. They are there to listen and offer our support. They have Trans and Trans allies volunteering to respond to your calls as often as possible and they are open 2 evenings a week Mondays and Fridays from 8pm to midnight. Tel: 0300 330 5468 |
| Galop – the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity | National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline. 0845 260 55 60. |
| LGBT Foundation | LGBT Foundation is a national charity delivering advice, support and information services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities. |
| How COVID-19 is affecting LGBT communities (stonewall.org.uk) | COVID-19 information for LGBT+ communities |
| Report hate crime | Avon and Somerset Police | How to report hate crime. |
| Somerset Lesbian Network | Somerset Lesbian Network has been established by local women in order to provide opportunities for women to meet informally for networking and activities including lunches, cinema, discussion groups, walking, sports, arts, music, picnics, information sharing and promoting health and wellbeing. |
| Somerset LGBTQ+ Equality Network – The Diversity Trust | The Diversity Trust is a Community Interest Company – influencing social change to create a fairer and safer society. |
| Welcome – FFLAG | FFLAG is a national voluntary organisation and charity dedicated to supporting parents and their lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans family members. |
| Taunton Pride | Taunton Pride CIC promotes events celebrating arts, culture, diversity and inclusion. Check the website or social media for latest information. |
| Taunton Gay Group (TGG) | TGG is an informal social group based in Taunton for LGBTQ+ people in the area to meet others, make new friends and feel less isolated. We just bring people together at the same time and place to chat and have fun. |
| Agrespect – The Rural LGBTQ+ Network | Promoting and supporting diversity in the countryside |
Youth support in Somerset
The following support groups offer advice and assistance specifically for young people in the LGBTQ+ community in Somerset.
| Organisation | Description |
|---|---|
| 2BU Somerset (2bu-somerset.co.uk) | LGBTQ+ Youth Support services in Somerset. If you’re a young person living in Somerset, you may find that being Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or questioning your sexuality or gender identity can be difficult. 2BU is there to give advice and support you. |
| Young People’s Services – The Diversity Trust | Glastonbury Alphabets, a project by the Diversity Trust, runs a monthly youth group in Glastonbury and various other events throughout the year. Young people from 13 to 19 years old can come along to meet others in an informal and friendly space where they can relax and be themselves. They also have a blog that they invite young people to contribute to and visit. They have been running since January 2018. Blog: https://glastonburylgbtq.home.blog |
| Taunton Gay Group (TGG) | TGG is an informal social group based in Taunton for LGBTQ+ people in the area to meet others, make new friends and feel less isolated. We just bring people together at the same time and place to chat and have fun. |
| YMCA Brunel Group (ymca-bg.org) – We build strong communities where everybody can belong, contribute and thrive. | YMCA Brunel Group is an independent, locally governed and managed charity, operating in Mendip, South Somerset, Bath, Bristol and Wiltshire. We are part of the international YMCA movement. Our mission is to transform young lives by creating places of belonging, support and inspiration. Our Youth Clubs support many young people with their sexuality and gender identity and also link in with 2BU for support. We have 12 youth clubs throughout Mendip & South Somerset, including Young Carers. |