Celebrating our Volunteers: Meet Helpline Volunteer, Kyle
My name is Kyle (he/him). My background is in Social Work and Sociology, and I’ve worked in the third sector for the past 10 years working with folk from all walks of life.
When I’m not working or volunteering you can find me reading a good book, spending time with my fur children, or going to the cinema with my husband.
I am passionate about reading diversely (mostly queer authors/stories), nature, veganism and looking after animals. Drinking coffee with a fresh new book is like being wrapped in a warm blanket to me.
I am also the biggest Britney Spears fan you’ll ever meet, and I’m very passionate about her discography.
What inspired you to start volunteering with LGBT Health and Wellbeing?
I’ve wanted to volunteer with LGBT Health and Wellbeing to give back to the LGBTQ+ community- particularly during current times, we are stronger together and support for those most in need is vital. The organisation is so imperative to folks across the UK and I wanted to play a hand in being part of that. Being part of the community myself, I wanted to get involved and help support others who need it.
What does your volunteering role involve?
On the helpline I support those in immediate need of practical, or emotional support-or both! We also support folks on live chat and via email as well. The helpline can be unpredictable-you never know what kind of call you’re going to get until you pick up that call and I enjoy the unknown in that. I’m newly in this role but my favourite memory so far has been the training. Being able to connect with others part of a bigger team in supporting the delivery of the helpline has been a really neat experience.
Why is this work important to you?
Our work is vital to the community. In 2025 things are rougher than ever-and it feels daunting turning on the news or going online to see even more ways we are under attack-and right now particularly our Trans siblings. The work is needed more than ever across Scotland and the UK. LGBT Health and Wellbeing is suicide prevention, and saves lives, protects mental health and helps sustain quality of life for our community.
Only in the role for a few months now, volunteering has been one of the best decisions. I feel good being part of something bigger than myself-and part of an organisation that delivers and leads support to the LGBTQ+ community on a wider scale and within smaller communities too. It’s a privilege to hold space for vulnerable people on our helpline and to hear their stories and support them as best as possible.
What does LGBT Health and Wellbeing mean to you?
Our spirit is resistance and liberation. I think it makes it special because of all the intersectional layers in between. As a charity, in the current economy it’s hard for many organisations-but we are seeing an all time high of attack on rights within the LGBTQ+ community. In the last 20 years we have seen lots of progress, but we’ve seen alarming set backs-and between all of it, we are here for those in need within the LGBTQ+ community. Our resistance and liberation are rooted and strong, and I think it makes us very special.
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
I would say go for it full on! The reward of being there is moving on a personal level, but you get so much more-from being part of a great organisation, to connecting with others who have the same goals of making the world a better place for the LGBTQ+ community, it’s a home away from home.
Volunteer
You could make a difference too! Join our 200+ volunteers and help build a Scotland where LGBTQ+ people thrive.