LGBTQ+ Youth Groups
Yorkshire MESMAC is a sexual health organisation, with LGBTQ+ youth groups in Harrogate and Selby. Visit their website for more information about when they meet and how to get in contact.
Getting More Help
Talking to family and friends about your worries can help you feel more supported. You might want to talk to someone outside the family like a GP, teacher or mentor at school, or even a friend’s parent. Choose someone you trust and if you find it difficult to talk about how you are feeling, you could write them a letter or send them a text. Support is also available through Childline, Compass BUZZ, Kooth and Recovery College Online.
Childline
Childline provides a free and confidential telephone service for children and young people up to the age of 19.
Visit Childline website Call 08001111
BUZZ US
Compass BUZZ offers a confidential text messaging service, called BUZZ US, to young people aged 11-18 across North Yorkshire.
Visit Compass BUZZ website Call 07520 631168
Kooth
Kooth online counselling is a free, safe and anonymous service for 11-18 year olds where young people can chat 1-2-1 with counsellors.
Visit Kooth website
Recovery College Online
The Recovery College Online provides a range of online educational courses and resources to people with mental illness.
Visit Recovery College Online websiteGetting Urgent Help
If you’ve seriously injured yourself or taken an overdose call 999 or get immediate medical advice from NHS 111.
If you are in a crisis and feel like you can’t cope, speak to somebody straight away. See the Urgent Help page for contact details for the North Yorkshire single point of access Crisis Service.
Things you might find useful
Yorkshire MESMAC
Yorkshire MESMAC offers sexual health support and advice. Read examples of coming out stories here.
Visit Yorkshire MESMAC website
Mermaids
Mermaids is one of the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ charities, and provides secure online communities, local community groups, helpline services, web resources, events and residential weekends.
Visit Mermaids website
NYCC LGBT Guidance for Professionals
Although this guidance is designed for professionals, it also includes useful contacts of LGBT youth groups in North Yorkshire.
View NYCC LGBT Guidance for Professionals
North Yorkshire Police
For information on hate crime and how to report it.
Visit North Yorkshire Police website
LGBT Foundation
If you are struggling with your identity, sexuality or feeling low, the LGBT Foundation website can help. Includes info on free telephone counselling, and topics from bullying to LGBT mental health.
Visit LGBT Foundation website
Queer Futures
Queer Futures is a national study investigating the self-harm and suicide of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
Visit Queer Futures website
The Proud Trust
The Proud Trust is an organisation that helps LGBT+ young people empower themselves, to make a positive change for themselves, and their communities.
Visit The Proud Trust website
Stonewall
Stonewall is a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights charity. Visit their website for help and advice, as well as ways to get involved with their charity.
Visit Stonewall website