An LGBT+ community centre is a physical space offering support, groups and social activities that has nothing to do with nightlife — which makes it the most useful thing on this site for anyone who does not drink, is not out, or is looking for something other than a bar. Britain has relatively few dedicated ones, concentrated in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh, but national organisations cover the whole country by phone and online.
- Free or low-cost, and sober by default.
- Youth groups, older people’s groups, trans support, counselling, social meets.
- Far fewer buildings than cities — but national helplines cover everywhere.
- You do not need to be out to contact any of them.
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The centres
LGBT+ community spaces
LGBT Health & Wellbeing Community SpaceCommunity space
LGBT Youth EdinburghCommunity space
LGBT Youth GlasgowCommunity space
London LGBTQ+ Community CentreCommunity space
The Proud PlaceCommunity space
The Queer Comedy ClubCommunity space
6 venues listed. Details come from public listings and venue websites — ring ahead before travelling, opening times change.
What they actually offer
| Type of service | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Youth groups | Regular meets for under-25s, often the most established service |
| Older people’s groups | Social meets addressing isolation, which is a significant issue |
| Trans and non-binary support | Peer groups, practical advice, sometimes name-change help |
| Counselling | Low-cost or free, with LGBT+ specific training |
| Sexual health | Testing, PrEP advice, often in partnership with the NHS |
| Social activities | Cafés, film nights, walking groups, craft — sober spaces |
| Practical help | Housing, immigration and asylum advice, benefits |
Why they matter more than the bar count suggests
Most writing about gay life in Britain is writing about nightlife, and that leaves out a lot of people: anyone under 18, anyone who does not drink, anyone in recovery, anyone not out, anyone who finds bars exhausting, and anyone looking for support rather than a night out.
Community centres serve exactly those people. They are also, in practice, where a great many friendships start — which is the thing people are usually looking for when they say a city “has no scene”.
If there is no centre near you
This will be the case for most of the country. The alternatives are real and cover everywhere:
- National helplines. Switchboard (0800 0119 100) takes calls, emails and chat on anything at all — it does not have to be a crisis.
- Galop (0800 999 5428) for anyone affected by abuse, hate crime or domestic abuse.
- LGBT+ sports clubs exist in far more towns than centres do, and most welcome complete beginners.
- University and college groups are often open to the wider local community.
- Online groups run by national charities, which matters most for people who are not out.
More in LGBT+ support organisations in the UK.
Visiting for the first time
- Check times before travelling. Most centres run specific groups on specific days rather than opening as a drop-in all week.
- You can just email first. Every centre is used to this, and it is the easiest way to find out what a session is like.
- You do not need to be out. Confidentiality is standard, and nobody will contact anyone on your behalf.
- Most services are free. Where counselling carries a fee it is usually on a sliding scale.
- Access varies — where step-free access is recorded it appears on the card above; otherwise ask when you email.
Under 18
Youth groups are the most widespread LGBT+ service in Britain and exist in many places with no centre and no bar. LGBT Youth Scotland, akt for young people facing homelessness, and The Mix for under-25s all operate nationally. If you are under 18, none of the venues elsewhere on this site are for you — these are.
Frequently asked questions
What is an LGBT+ community centre?
A physical space offering support, groups, counselling and social activities outside of nightlife. Most services are free or low cost, and they are sober spaces by default.
How many are there in the UK?
Relatively few dedicated buildings, concentrated in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. National organisations cover the rest of the country by phone, email and online.
Do I have to be out to go?
No. Confidentiality is standard and nobody will contact anyone on your behalf. Plenty of people make first contact by email precisely for this reason.
Is there anything if I am under 18?
Yes — youth groups are the most widespread LGBT+ service in Britain and exist in many towns with no centre or bar. LGBT Youth Scotland, akt and The Mix all operate nationally.
What if there is nothing near me?
Switchboard on 0800 0119 100 takes calls, emails and chat about anything, and it does not have to be a crisis. LGBT+ sports clubs and online groups cover far more of the country than centres do.
Do they cost anything?
Most services are free. Counselling sometimes carries a fee, usually on a sliding scale based on what you can afford.
Sources and further reading
- Switchboard — 0800 0119 100
- Galop — 0800 999 5428
- akt — LGBTQ+ youth homelessness
- LGBT Youth Scotland
- Venue locations © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)