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. Galop provides a number of helplines:
If you are currently experiencing abuse aimed at changing, altering, or ‘curing’ your LGBT+ identity, or think this will happen to you if you come out, Galop’s Conversion Therapy Helpline is here for you. So-called conversion therapy can have a long-term impact on LGBT+ people. If this has happened to you in the past and you are still struggling with it, you can reach out to Galop’s support services. The helpline can provide a safe, confidential listening and information service to any LGBT+ person aged 13+.
Monday to Thursday 10am – 8.30pm. Friday 10am – 4pm.
Our helpline is for LGBT+ people who have or are experiencing domestic abuse. We are alsohere for people supporting a survivor of domestic abuse; friends, families and those workingwith a survivor.
Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm. Wednesday & Thursday 10am – 8pm.
If you’ve experienced anti-LGBT+ violence, abuse or harassment, and need a safe space to talk, our LGBT+ Hate Crime Helpline is here for you. You can talk to our helpline team about insults, intimidation, threats, online abuse or violence targeting you because of your sexual orientation or gender identity.
Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm
Calls are charged at the standard UK rate. You can email us requesting a call back to avoid call charges at HateCrime@galop.org.uk
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.
