Helpline
Confidential helpline for LGBTQ+ people in Scotland, and those exploring their identity, to talk in a safe space.
LGBTQ+ helpline
Our LGBTQ+ helpline offers emotional support and information from volunteers trained around LGBTQ+ identities and experiences.
Contact us
- Phone: 0800 464 7000
- Livechat: a red chat box will appear on bottom right of our website when we’re available
- Email: helpline@lgbthealth.org.uk
All ways of contacting us are free in the UK.
Opening hours
- Tuesdays: 12–9pm
- Wednesdays: 12–9pm
- Thursdays: 12–9pm
- Sundays: 1–6pm
If we can’t answer your call on Sundays, you can choose to connect to our friends Switchboard, a trusted LGBTQIA+ support line. Their volunteers offer the same warm, affirming and confidential support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Person we supported on our helpline:
“It was just nice to get the thoughts and feelings off my chest. It can be hard to talk to people you know in real life, as there’s that added layer of complexity due to the fact you have a personal connection with them. The helpline eliminated that awkwardness while still providing awesome support! The kindness is truly inspirational.”
Here’s what we can offer:
A listening ear
Sometimes you just need someone to talk to. Nothing is too small, too big or too “trivial”… if it matters to you, it matters to us.
Emotionally safe space
We’ll listen with warmth and respect, and support you at your own pace.
Information and signposting
We can point you to services across Scotland, including support with:
- sexual orientation
- gender identity
- sexual health
- healthcare
- adoption and fertility
- employment
- housing and benefits
- substance use
- asylum seeking
- LGBTQ+ community
Specialist support
Our team is trained to support:
- people feeling very low or thinking about suicide
- survivors of conversion practices
- people experiencing domestic abuse
- people affected by gambling
- people affected by hate crime
We can also explain options like third‑party hate crime reporting, or connect you with relevant organisations.
A starting point
If you’re new to Scotland, new to the LGBTQ+ community, or just looking to reconnect, we can help you find groups, activities and services that feel right for you, wherever you live.
Our helpline team is friendly, trained and non‑judgmental.
Many volunteers are LGBTQ+ themselves, or have extensive experience supporting LGBTQ+ people.
We welcome all trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming and gender‑diverse people, and will always respect your name and pronouns.
Some volunteers speak additional languages.
Let us know your preferred language and we’ll try to arrange support at a time when someone is available.
If we can’t, we’ll help signpost you to services that can.
Your contact with the helpline is confidential.
We only record anonymous information for reporting.
If you’re worried about someone seeing that you contacted us, here are some ways to protect your privacy:
- Shared landline: Our number may appear on itemised bills. You can stop itemised billing or use a mobile instead.
- Mobile phone: Delete your call history if someone might check your phone.
- Public phone: Calls can’t be traced to you, but background noise may affect your privacy.
- Email: Delete messages after reading them if you share your inbox.
- Live chat: Your browser saves your history. If you share your device, clear your browsing history after visiting our site.
If you need more privacy advice, we can guide you.
Other support available
Is your helpline for me?
Our helpline is for LGBTQ+* people 16+ across Scotland and for anyone supporting an LGBTQ+ person.
Whether you’re out, not sure, exploring or don’t use any particular labels, we welcome you as you are.
You don’t need to be in crisis to access our support.
*We welcome the entire diversity of the LGBTQ+ community including lesbian, gay, bi+, trans, non-binary, intersex, ace people and all identities under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella.
Conversion Practices
Our helpline team is trained to support survivors of conversion practices in Scotland.
Whether looking after your wellbeing or supporting someone LGBTQ+, explore our resource library for tools and guidance.
A Manual For Me: a Suicide Prevention Toolkit
Conversion Practices in Scotland: Support Guide
What's On
Looking to connect with other people? Explore free LGBTQ+ meetups and groups across Scotland.