If you need support in the UK right now: Switchboard (0800 0119 100) for anything LGBT+ related, Galop (0800 999 5428) for abuse, hate crime or violence, and 999 in an emergency. Both helplines are free, confidential, staffed by LGBT+ people, and you do not need to be out to anyone to use them.
- You do not need a crisis to call. “I just want to talk to someone who gets it” is a normal reason.
- Nobody will pressure you to come out, report anything, or take action you have not chosen.
- Specialist services exist for abuse, hate crime, sexual health, image-based abuse and youth support.
- All of the below are free.
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Who to contact for what
| Situation | Service | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Anything LGBT+, including just wanting to talk | Switchboard | 0800 0119 100 |
| Abuse, hate crime, domestic abuse, violence | Galop | 0800 999 5428 |
| Intimate images shared or threatened | Revenge Porn Helpline | Free, UK-wide, adults |
| Fraud, romance scams, money taken | Action Fraud | 0300 123 2040 |
| Sexual health, HIV, PrEP | Terrence Higgins Trust / NHS | Free services UK-wide |
| Under 26 in Scotland | LGBT Youth Scotland | Free |
| Suicidal feelings or despair | Samaritans | 116 123, 24/7 |
| Immediate danger | Police | 999 — press 55 if you cannot speak |
Hate crime: what counts and what happens
A hate crime is any criminal offence perceived by the victim, or anyone else, as motivated by hostility toward someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. That perception is the test — you do not have to prove motive to report it.
- You can report to police on 101, online, or 999 if it is happening now.
- You can report through Galop instead if you would rather not approach police directly.
- Third-party reporting centres exist in most areas for reporting without going to a station.
- Reporting does not commit you to giving evidence or pressing charges.
If you are not out
Every service listed here is confidential and none of them will out you. That is worth stating explicitly, because fear of exposure is the most common reason people do not seek help.
Specifically: helplines do not contact your family or employer, sexual health services keep records separate from your main NHS record, and Galop deals routinely with people whose abuser is using the threat of outing them as leverage. See sextortion: what to do if that is your situation.
Coming out
There is no deadline and no correct order. Switchboard exists partly for exactly this conversation — talking it through with someone who is not involved in your life. See coming out: a practical UK guide.
Everyday support beyond helplines
- Local LGBT+ centres exist in most large cities and run groups, social events and counselling.
- Sports and hobby clubs — LGBT+ football, running, swimming and choir groups are common in cities and often the easiest route into a social circle.
- Pride events run across the UK from roughly May to September, and most have year-round organisations behind them.
- Workplace networks exist in many larger employers and are usually confidential to join.
Frequently asked questions
Who can I call if I just want to talk?
Switchboard on 0800 0119 100. It is free, confidential and staffed by LGBT+ volunteers, and you do not need a crisis or a specific problem to call.
Where do I report homophobic abuse?
To police on 101 or 999 if it is happening now, or through Galop on 0800 999 5428 if you would rather not approach police directly. Third-party reporting centres are also available in most areas.
Will these services out me?
No. All are confidential and none will contact your family, employer or anyone else. This applies to helplines, Galop and NHS sexual health services alike.
What if someone is threatening to share intimate images?
Do not pay and do not delete the evidence. Contact the Revenge Porn Helpline for removals and Galop on 0800 999 5428 for support. Threatening to share intimate images is a criminal offence in the UK.
Is there support specifically for young people?
Yes. LGBT Youth Scotland supports under-26s in Scotland, and most local LGBT+ centres across the UK run youth groups. Switchboard also supports callers of any age.
Do I have to report to the police to get help?
No. Galop, Switchboard and the Revenge Porn Helpline all support people who choose not to involve police, and reporting to them does not trigger a police report.