NHS Choices – Sex & Young People

Am I Gay, Lesbian or Bi-sexual

Coming Out

During puberty, you have lots of emotions and sexual feelings.  It’s normal for girls to think about girls in a sexual way, and for boys to think about boys in a sexual way.  You don’t choose your sexuality, it chooses you. These links offer information for young people who think they might be gay, lesbian or bisexual.  Includes sources of support, safer sex, coming out and dealing with bullying.

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline

Helpline: 0300 330 0630 (10-10 daily)

switchboard.lgbt

At Switchboard we provide an information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men and bisexual and trans people – and anyone considering issues around their sexuality and/or gender identity.  We are confidential, welcoming, supportive and non-judgemental.

The Mix

Helpline:  0808 808 4994

themix.org.uk

Exploring your sexuality

How to come out

Life’s tough, we know that. It can throw a lot your way and make it hard to know what the hell to do with it all.  So, welcome to The Mix. Whether you’re 13, 25, or any age in between, we’re here to take on the embarrassing problems, weird questions, and please-don’t-make-me-say-it-out-loud thoughts you have. We give you the information and support you need to deal with it all.  Because you can.  Because you’re awesome.  We’ll connect you to experts and your peers who’ll give you the support and tools you need to take on any challenge you’re facing – for everything from homelessness to finding a job, from money to mental health, from break-ups to drugs.  We’re a free and confidential multi-channel service. That means that you choose how you access our support, without the worry of anyone else finding out. Whether it be through our articles and video content online or our phone, email, peer to peer and counselling services – we put the control in your hands. You can even volunteer with us too.

ChildLine

Helpline:  0800 1111

childline.org.uk

Sexuality 

ChildLine is a counselling service for children and young people.  You can contact ChildLine in these ways:  You can phone  on 0800 1111, send us an email, have a 1-2-1 chat with us, send a message to Ask Sam and you can post messages to the ChildLine message boards.  You can contact ChildLine about anything – no problem is too big or too small.  If you are feeling scared or out of control or just want to talk to someone you can contact ChildLine.

Stonewall – The Lesbian, Gay & Bi-sexual Charity

stonewall.org.uk

Coming Out

Stonewall works to achieve equality and justice for lesbians, gay men and bisexual people.

ACAS – Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service

Helpline:  0300 123 1150

Bullying and Harassment

Sexual Orientation Discrimination

Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect at work. Bullying and harassment of any kind are in no-one’s interest and should not be tolerated in the workplace, but if you are being bullied or harassed it can be difficult to know what to do about it.  This leaflet gives employees basic information about bullying and harassment.  Summarises the responsibilities of employers.  Outlines some of the options open to you and points you to sources of further information and advice.

FFLAG (Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)

Central Helpline no: 0845 652 0311

fflag.org.uk

Offers support to local parents groups and contacts, in their efforts to help parents and families understand accept and support their lesbian gay and bisexual members with love and pride.