Need Support?
Everybody needs a bit of help some of the time
Are you feeling like you need more immediate help or support with your mental health? If so, this page provides a helpful list of national organisations which you can contact. In many cases they will be also be able to direct you to support in your local area.
In Crisis?
If you need help for a mental health crisis or emergency, you should get immediate expert advice and assessment.
It's important to know that support services are available for you to access, whatever you’re going through.
Urgent advice: Get advice from 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if you need urgent help with your mental health
111 will tell you the right place to get help. You may be able to speak to a trained mental health professional over the phone.
A GP can advise you about helpful treatments and also help you access mental health services. You may be able to refer yourself to some services.
Other ways to get help with your mental health
Free listening services
These services offer confidential support from trained volunteers. You can talk about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how difficult:
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Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours
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Call Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 (Open Monday-Thursday 6pm-2am and Friday 6pm -Monday 6am) people in Scotland only.
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If you’re under 19 you can also talk to Childline on 0800 1111. The number will not appear on your phone bill.
These services will only share information about you if they are very worried about you or think you’re in immediate danger.
Useful services
LGBT Health and Wellbeing
Scotland’s health and wellbeing charity for LGBTQ+ adults. Working to improve the physical, social and mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ adults (16+) in Scotland through responsive support services, a social programme for our community to connect with each other and supporting mainstream services to be more inclusive.
LGBT+ Helpline: LGBT Health and Wellbeing also run the LGBT+ helpline which can be contacted on 0800 464 7000 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (12pm-9pm) and on Sundays (1pm-6pm)
Switchboard
Switchboard is the national LGBTQIA+ support line. For anyone, anywhere in the country, at any point in their journey. They can discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity. Whether it’s sexual health, relationships or just the way you’re feeling.
Open 10am-10pm every day
Call: 0800 0119 100
Samaritans
If you need someone to talk to, the Samaritans are open 24/7 and won't judge you or tell you what to do. Although they are not specifically an LGBTQIA+ organisation, they have a clear policy of supporting LGBTQ+ communities.
Whatever you're going through, you can call them any time, from any phone for FREE.
Call 116 123
SAMH
SAMH provides mental health support and accessible, practical information. This includes a confidential Infoline and online wellbeing support. They have 70 services based in communities across Scotland.
Although they are not specifically an LGBTQIA+ organisation they have a clear policy of supporting our communities.
Breathing Space
A free, confidential, phone and webchat service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.
Breathing Space aims to provide:
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an alternative and easily accessible ‘first stop’ service
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assistance at an early stage in order to stop problems escalating
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empathy, understanding and advice through active listening
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hope when none exists
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direction for those who do not know where to seek help
Opening hours
Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am
Weekend: Friday 6pm-Monday 6am
This service is for people in Scotland
Call free on 0800 83 85 87
Kinder Stronger Better
This website provides information and resources, as well as links to support services for LGBTQ+ people experiencing problems with alcohol or other drugs.
If you live in Glasgow, this includes the option to self-refer into the Kinder Stronger Better support service run by Glasgow Council on Alcohol.
For more information, visit their website.
Papyrus
Papyrus are a national UK charity hosting HOPELINEUK - a confidential support and advice service for children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide. If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned for a young person who might be you can contact HOPELINEUK for confidential support and practical advice.
The have specific advice for LGBTQIA+ people.
For more information, visit their website
Tel: 0800 068 4141
Cruse Scotland
Have you recently lost someone you loved? Cruse Scotland has been supporting bereaved adults, children and young people across Scotland for over 60 years.
For more information, visit their website.
Free Helpline: 0808 802 61 61
Although not specifically an LGBTQIA+ organisation they do celebrate LGBTQIA+ issues (e.g. Trans Day of Remembrance).
The Canmore Trust
The Canmore Trust
The Canmore Trust works with people to find a safe space, a space that allows and encourages them to stay in the world, despite all the struggles and difficulties they may be facing right now.
For 24/7 support and help for anyone feeling that the world is not currently a safe place to be, you can text CANMORE to 85258
For more information, visit their website.
