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 wellbeing and mental health? If so, this page provides a helpful list of national organizations that you can contact. In many cases, they 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 are listed below.
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
LGBT Health and Wellbeing
Scotland’s health and wellbeing charity for LGBTQ+ adults. As part of their work they operate an LGBT+
Helpline on: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (12pm-9pm) and on Sundays (1pm-6pm).
Call: 0800 464 7000
Scottish Action for Mental Health
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
Breathing Space is Scotland’s free, confidential phone service for anyone over the age of 16 feeling low, anxious, or stressed. It provides a safe space to talk to experienced advisors who can offer support, advice, and a listening ear when life feels overwhelming.
Open Mon-Thurs 6pm-2am & Fri 6pm-Mon 6am
Call: 0800 83 85 87
Murray’s Initiative LGBTQ+ Health and Wellbeing Service
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.
https://www.murrays.scot/services/lgbtq-health-wellbeing-service
Age Scotland
Is the national charity for older people in Scotland. They provide free, confidential information and advice on a wide range of issues including money, care, and housing. They also host the LGBTQ+ Scottish Older People's Network, which works to address inequalities and ensure older LGBTQ+ people feel welcome, heard, and included. Their helpline is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
Call: 0800 12 44 222
Sandyford
Scotland’s specialist sexual health service, provides comprehensive and confidential support. They offer expert care for the LGBTQIA+ community, including sexual health screenings, contraception, and the Sandyford Gender Identity Service for those exploring their gender identity.
Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-7:15pm (Hours vary by clinic)
Call: 0141 211 8130
