Here is a list of places to seek advice, support, help or counselling. You don’t need to go it alone.
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The Rainbow Project is a health organisation, established in 1994, that works to improve the physical, mental & emotional health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ people and their families in Northern Ireland, as well as those questioning their orientation or gender. There is a centre in Belfast and one in Derry/Londonderry. The Rainbow Project offers help and advice through its support services, and works in partnership with other organisations, and lobbies policy makers, to ensure that the needs of LGBTQIA+ people in Northern Ireland are met.
The Rainbow Project provides a counselling service that is free of charge, funded by the Public Health Agency.
Mandy Cook is an integrative therapist based in Lisburn who focuses her work on the impact of religious trauma in the lives of people in Northern Ireland. An under-researched and often taboo subject, she hopes to bring more conversations into the public domain and build more resources for those experiencing this. Mandy is available for private one-to-one sessions and offers consultancy for any organisations or practitioners wanting to know more about this area. Watch interview with Kirsten Kearney.
A local helpline run by Cara-Friend. Trained volunteers will offer a listening ear, and can also provide information on a wide range of issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
Mondays & Tuesdays: 4pm – 7pm
Galop is the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity. Galop’s team has decades of experience in supporting LGBT+ people who are victims of so-called conversion therapies, domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, and other forms of abuse.
Lines are open 24/7. Lifeline is the Northern Ireland crisis response helpline for anyone of any age in distress or despair. If you are distressed or require help and support, you can contact Lifeline on:
Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. You can get in touch whatever your age. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call any time, day or night. Calls are free on:
If you are under 18, Childline can help with any issues you have.
If you feel you or someone else is in immediate danger, or are at risk of being unsafe, call 999 or go to your local hospital’s Accident & Emergency for emergency support.
