VOLUNTEER
It’s important to us at Pride Cymru to keep our community safe and so we wanted to highlight some support services that particularly help LGBTQ+ people.
If you have any more support services you’re aware of that operate within the UK and Wales in particular please send us a message so that we can add them to our lists.
Below is a list of websites and charities from which you can get support if you need it:
Wales-based organisations
Stonewall Cymru
Stonewall, is an organisation that stands for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace (LGBTQ+) people everywhere. They offer a range of training and resources for schools and workplaces to make them more inclusive and have some training and support available for individuals and communities as well.
- Stonewall Cymru Work Placement Programme: LGBT candidates aged 18-25 can apply to undertake a week of volunteer work experience with one of their Diversity Champions in Wales.
- Stonewall Cymru LGBT Role Model Programme: The Stonewall Cymru one-day LGBT Role Models Programme gives individuals the opportunity to explore what it means to be a role model and the space to identify how they are going to create an inclusive environment for everyone.
- Community Bi Empowerment programme: A programme for bi people to explore and celebrate the differences and similarities in their experiences and identities and feel empowered by each other.
- Best Practice tools and resources: A range of downloadable resources exploring best practice in the workplace, in schools etc.
Glitter Cymru
Glitter Cymru was set up in June 2016 as a monthly meet-up group for people who identify under the following two acronyms: BAME meaning Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and LGBT+ meaning Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans. It is a Cardiff-based organisation that offers regular zoom meetings and other themed events.
Umbrella Cymru
You can request support via a self-referral, and they offer practical advice, counselling, advocacy, advice and guidance, information and signposting. They can also help support you with a deed poll application.
They have a range of support groups which you can join:
- Embrace is their support and social group for parents, carers, guardians, friends and family members of trans, non-binary and gender diverse young people. The group meets online on the last Tuesday of the month. It runs from 7pm until 8.30pm. Register your interest here.
- #FreeToBe is a social and peer support group aimed at LGBTQ+ young people and allies aged 11-18 in Wales. Register your interest here.
- #UnderTheUmbrella is a closed facebook group that shares LGBTQ+ news and information and is a space for people to share and chat with others.
You can text them for support at 07520645700, call their office on 0300 302 3670 (leave a voicemail with your contact details if no-one answers and they will call you back). You can also email support enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or general enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Trans Aid Cymru
Trans Aid Cymru aims to help Transgender, Non-Binary and Intersex (TIN) people through mutual aid support. The project is run by TIN people for TIN people, making it inclusive and understanding of the community needs.
They have events such as meetups, meal shares, swimming, gardening and a whole host of other activities. You can find out more about their current projects here.
They also offer grants to help with medication costs, food, bills, transport to counselling etc. You can find out more about the application process and how to apply here or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
G(end)er Swap
G(end)er Swap is a UK based LGBTIQ+ clothing outreach organisation and community interest company that supports trans and gender non-conforming individuals to access clothes and community with bespoke pop-ups, LGBTQ style workshops and exhibitions that support trans individuals with style, makeup and wellness resources.
Their website has a wide range of online resources on styling for the season, how to do your hair and makeup, guidance on tucking and safe binding.
You can also join their G(end)er Swap n' Shop Facebook Clothes Exchange Group (for UK/EU folks only).
Unique Transgender Network
UNIQUE Transgender Network is a voluntary group supporting Trans* (transgender) people in North Wales & West Cheshire.
They offer face to face and online meetings, you can find out more information about the next meetings here. For more information, contact Jenny Anne This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Impact LGBT+
A 52 week LGBTQ+ youth group (13-21 years old) based in Cardiff. A friendly and safe environment which allows you to become friends with like-minded people, while socialising, playing sports, doing arts & crafts, taking part in workshops and sometimes trips out and residentials.
For more information contact Sarah Lynn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Viva LGBT+
Youth groups and support across Denbighshire, Conwy, Flintshire, Anglesey and Wrexham for young people aged 11 to 25 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or questioning.
To find out more you can call 01745 357941 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Social Media: Viva LGBT+ Facebook, Viva LGBT+ Twitter
Tŷ Pride
Tŷ Pride is a specialist LGBTQ+ project, staffed 24 hours a day, supporting LGBTQ+ young people community who were experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. For more information and how to refer you can find out more here.
Constellation
Constellation is a wellbeing project for trans, non-binary and exploring young people aged 12-16 and 17-25 in central Cardiff
You can find out more by calling 029 20344776 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
LGBT+ Cymru Helpline
The LGBT+ Cymru Helpline is a service based in Swansea that provides counselling service for Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Trans, Intersex, Allies & families in Wales.
They can offer support with legal services, relationship mediation and counselling, for those that cannot afford private access to counselling in all types of therapies free of charge or £15 per session for those that can afford to make a contribution.
Their helpline operates every Wednesday, between 10am and 3pm. Please leave a voicemail outside of these times, they're checked regularly, and they aim to have a response for you within 24 hours. Their freephone is 0800 917 9996.
LGBT+ Cymru Helpline & Counselling Service to also run GoodVibes in collaboration with YMCA Swansea. GoodVibes is a safe and friendly place for LGBT+ young people and allies, from the ages of 11 – 25, to hang out and make new friends, in a confidential environment, to be away from prejudice. This project runs every Tuesday 5.30-7.30pm in the YMCA in Swansea. You can find out more about this project by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To find out more you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01792 650777.
UK-wide organisations
Galop
Galop is the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity. We work with and for LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence. You can contact them Monday to Friday between 10am and 8.30pm and on a Friday from 10am to 4.30pm.
Call the Galop Helpline (Free): 0800 999 5428.
Email Galop: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
They also have a webchat service if you do not want to call or email and a chat bot which can signpost you to resources and additional support.
You can also join their online forum for survivors of domestic abuse here.
There is also a service for LGBT+ young people aged 13-25 who are experiencing or worried about abuse and you can refer yourself here.
Mermaids
Mermaids supports transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse children and young people until their 20th birthday, as well as their families and professionals involved in their care.
Call Mermaids: 0808 801 0400
You can call them Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm.
You can join the parents online forum here and the youth forum here.
Gendered Intelligence
Gendered Intelligence (GI) is a registered charity that works to increase understandings of gender diversity and improve the lives of trans people. GI is a trans led and trans involving grassroots organisation.
You can contact their support line on 0330 3559 678
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 2pm-7pm and Wednesday, Friday 10am-3pm.
You can also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or reach out on WhatsApp 07592 650 496.
You can find out more information on the support line here.
They also have Waiting List Warriors an online support for those on waiting lists for gender affirming care
In addition, they also have Voice workshops. The Laurels Gender Identity Clinic Speech and Language Therapists are collaborating with Gendered Intelligence and the training involves two specialists in gender affirming voice/vocal therapy who will help you understand a little more about your voice and ways to be comfortable with it.
LGBT+ Switchboard
The LGBT+ Switchboard is a confidential and supportive listening service that has been running since 1974. They have supported people on a wide range of topics such as; coming out, relationship and family issues, issues at work or college, safer sex and sexual health, having sex for the first time and looking for LGBT+ venues, social or support groups.
You can reach out via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and they aim to reply within 5 days.
You can also call them on 0800 0119 100 (open 365 days a year 10am to 10pm). Live chat is also available on their website.
The LGBT+ Switchboard recommends reaching out to Shout or the Crisis Text Line if you need them outside of their open hours.
Samaritans
The Samaritans are a charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and the Ireland.
There are multiple ways to get in touch with the Samaritans. You can call 24/7 on 116 123, email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (replies via email can take a few days), online chat (a new pilot service), writing a letter or using their self help app to make safety plans and track your mood.
Victim Support
Victim Support is there to offer support to anyone affected by crime. Not only those who experience it directly, but also their friends, family and any other people involved. They are independent from the police, and their support is free and confidential.
It doesn’t matter when the crime took place, or whether you’ve reported it to the police. You can get help at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can call their Supportline on 08 08 16 89 111, use the Relay UK app or contact them in BSL, use their livechat or fill in an online form (replies to the form can take up to three working days).
Papyrus
Papyrus is a charity for the prevention of young suicide (under 35) in the UK. For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINEUK, they are open 9am–midnight every day and you can call them on 0800 068 4141, text them on 07860 039967, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
