At Switchboard we offer an information, support and recommendation service for lesbians, homosexual males and bisexual and trans individuals and anybody considering problems around their sex and/or sex identification. We tune in to all sorts of telephone phone telephone calls, and now we just just just take every one really. Whatever made you call, we’re glad you did therefore we desire to assist you to.

Check out for the things people might give us a call for:

Details about support groups for somebody who is struggling using their sex identification. Help for a person that has been the target of homophobic punishment, but has formerly had a negative experience going towards the authorities. Help for a teenager that is lesbian away from her house by her moms and dads, and whom requires someplace to stay nformation about how to arrive at regional homosexual bars for some online sex chat body with mobility issues. Circumstances and places for an area bisexual group that is social. You may get it touch on the telephone, by e-mail or through Instant Messaging.calls To this true quantity can cost you just like phone calls to 01 and 02 figures and generally are a part of any call allowances you may possibly have either for a mobile or even a landline. You will find about 160 trained phone volunteers at Switchboard who all identify as lesbian, homosexual, bisexual or trans. Nearly all those that call are LGBT+ but we also have a lot of callers that are considering problems around their sex. After which you will find friends, parents or family unit members of LGBT+ family members that are trying to find some independent advice and help we welcome them!

Exactly what do we speak about?

We have been here to be controlled by something that you intend to speak about. There’s nothing off limits, and you hear that strange voice there’s no rush, take your time if you feel nervous when. Often it will require a bit to access the heart of a concern. We comprehend it usually takes you a while to get at the thing that is main genuinely wish to mention. We additionally think you will be well placed to learn your position plus the response that’s right for you personally. We’re going to pay attention although you talk throughout your choices to you and hope that you’ll feel empowered by discovering your own personal solutions. Among the things our company is dedicated to talking about with your callers is safer intercourse to stop the spread of HIV along with other sexually transmitted infections. Although we never ever judge your choices, we make an effort to allow you to be conscious of your personal sexual wellness.

Just how long can it simply simply take for my call to be answered?

The helpline is staffed by volunteers and now we answer lots and lots of phone phone calls per year. Some calls past a few mins, others will last nearly an hour or so. The rate with that you are answered also can be determined by the amount of volunteers offered at the full time of one’s call. We make an effort to seek to do have more volunteers on change when you look at the evenings and also at weekends whenever need is greater. We have been additionally keen to work with our Instant Messaging solution. There clearly was one or more method of getting in contact. Us you are placed in a queue when you call. We know how discouraging that will feel, but please be client. Don’t stop trying. Ring right straight right back. We should just take your call and we’ll answer it when we are able to.

Can we keep an email? Will you phone me personally right right back?

Whenever you call the helpline we don’t have a caller display therefore we don’t visit your number. You’re not in a position to keep an email so we aren’t in a position to get back telephone calls. You are hoped by us comprehend. This might be element of our dedication to make sure your privacy. Because also whenever we rang a number some body had kept for people on a note, exactly how could we be certain we’d be speaking to your person who’d left the message?

Where is Switchboard?

We’re based in Islington, North London a location that is convenient a number of our volunteers. Switchboard’s workplaces are fully available and had been covered by community fundraising and funds. A couple of years ago a volunteer’s substantial legacy intended that a brand new phone system might be installed. The legacy additionally permitted us to clear the debt that is outstanding the building.

Switchboard is a bright, airy office with a separate phone space where volunteers answer the phones and relate solely to individuals through email and Instant Messaging. Frequently you will find a volunteers that are few each shift so we can ask one another for advice and offer help for every single other if required. We realize that choosing the right help is essential, particularly if you require anyone to speak with at this time. Switchboard runs from 10am to 10pm, 365 times per year however if we’re maybe not open to you and you also can’t wait until our company is Crisis Text Line and Shout might help.