FREE from landlines and most mobiles.
Mondays & Tuesdays: 4pm – 7pm
You can also click the live chat icon at the bottom right of the screen during these hours for online chat support with one of our volunteers, or to send a message outside of those hours which we will reply to when we can.
Have you ever had something you need to talk about, perhaps something you need to get off your chest? Maybe you need information relating to your sexual orientation or gender identity? Perhaps you feel isolated, or maybe just want to know that there are other lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans people in the world. Perhaps you are an LGBTQI+ parent or a parent with an LGBTQIA+ child?
The LGBTQIA+ Switchboard NI is staffed by trained volunteers who will provide a listening ear and can help you to explore your options. We can also provide information on a wide range of issues including health & well-being, legal concerns, information on the social scene and details of LGBTQIA+ community groups.
Some people contact the Switchboard simply because they feel isolated and just want to talk to someone.
Our volunteers are friendly and understanding and can offer information and support to anyone concerned about sexual orientation.
If you feel isolated and alone, it may be difficult dealing with some aspect of sexual orientation. Befriending allows you the chance to meet with two or more of our volunteers, to sit and have a chat and a coffee. It’s a good way of getting to know a few other LGBTQIA+ people, ask any questions you might have and hear about LGBTQIA+ groups in your local area.
It might be an opportunity to make a whole new circle of friends, or just receive a little reassurance.
Absolutely. Any information you provide to LGBTQIA+ Switchboard NI will remain totally confidential.
How much information you provide is entirely up to you – our volunteers will never pressure you to talk about things that you don’t want to.
The only exception to this is of course if you disclose information about yourself or someone else who may be at serious risk of harm.
The Switchboard is open Mondays and Tuesdays from 4pm – 7pm
Telephone us on 0808 8000 390 or alternatively you can email us at: switchboard@cara-friend.org.uk
Or click on the ‘Live Chat’ icon on the bottom right of the screen to leave a message.
Cara-Friend is a member of www.helplinesnetworkni.com
