Gender, Sexuality,
Identity & Mental Health

Same storm, different boat

stem4 believe in inclusivity as one of its core values. As such, we recognise that we cannot have positive mental health for all young people, without positive mental health for LGBTQ+ young people.

Experiences with sexuality, gender, and identity are deeply personal and can have a big impact on who we are as a person. From being treated differently for being who you are to finding yourself and finding community, being a member of the LGBTQ+ community can be an important part of the mental health story of many young people.

This page is a space for members of the LGBTQ+ community to tell their story and share their experiences with mental health. Through listening and understanding these stories, we can work together towards the aim of positive mental health for all.

1.5

times more likely to develop depression and anxiety if you are LGBT+ compared to the rest of the population. [1]

4.2%

16- to 24-year-olds identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) – the most of any age group. [2]

55%

of trans people in Britain have been diagnosed with depression at some point. [3]

Blog

stem4’s blogs are written by individuals expressing their own experiences. We strive to be as diverse as possible in showcasing mental health stories, however, these blogs represent the individuals’ experience only. If any of these accounts have affected you, please find contacts to call here

A full list of our resources can be found here

Switchboard
Switchboard is an LGBT+ Helpline. They are a safe space for anyone to discuss anything, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional well-being.
0300 330 0630 (Open 10:00-22:00 every day)
https://switchboard.lgbt/

MindOut

MindOut
MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people. They can offer advice and information over the phone, by email or via their online chat service.

01273 234 839

info@mindout.org.uk

https://mindout.org.uk/

Mindline Trans+
A confidential emotional, mental health support helpline for people who identify as Transgender, Agender, Gender Fluid, Non-binary.
0300 330 5468
https://bristolmind.org.uk/help-and-counselling/mindline-transplus/

Mermaids
Mermaids provides a helpline aimed at supporting transgender youth up to and including the age of 19, their families and professionals working with them.
0808 801 0400 (Monday – Friday 9am – 9pm)
https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/contact-us/

Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT)
AKT supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 in the uk who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment.
https://akt.org.uk

Galop
Galop support all LGBT+ people – including under 25s – who’ve experienced hate crime, domestic abuse or sexual violence.
https://www.galop.org.uk/

Pink Therapy
Therapy services for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and others who identify as being gender or sexual diversities.
https://www.pinktherapy.com

LGBT Foundation
LGBT Foundation provides a wide range of support services to lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. They also work with healthcare and other professionals to help make public services more accessible and inclusive for LGBT communities.

0345 3 30 30 30
https://lgbt.foundation/

Stonewall
Stonewall is an LGBT charity focussing on empowering individuals, transforming institutions, changing hearts and minds, and changing and protecting laws.
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/

LGBTQ+ Guide to Online Safety, VPN Mentor
VPN Mentor works to promote internet freedom to people around the world and has created free tools to help verify your online security. This guide aims to empower those in the LGBTQ+ community and give them the tools to protect themselves online.
https://www.vpnmentor.com/blog/lgbtq-guide-online-safety/

Please note that stem4 does not officially endorse these services. Descriptions are as provided by the organisations.

Gendered Intelligence
Gendered Intelligence operates a number of services for trans youth, including youth groups in London and Leeds for young trans people, non-binary and questioning young people aged under 21. They also run a peer-led support group in London for those aged 18-30.
https://genderedintelligence.co.uk/support/trans-youth/groups

London Friend
London Friend offer counselling and support around issues such as same-sex relationships, sexual and gender identity and promoting personal growth and self-confidence. They’re also home to Antidote – the UK’s oldest LGBT drug and alcohol service.
https://londonfriend.org.uk/

2bu Somerset
Advice and support for LGBTQ+ young people living in somerset. Their central youth support group in Taunton meets every Wednesday’s 6-8pm for young people (aged 13-18).
https://www.2bu-somerset.co.uk/

The Lowdown Northampton
A voluntary mental health charity, providing free and confidential counselling, emotional wellbeing, sexual health and LGBTQ support services for 11-25 year olds.
https://thelowdown.info/

The Wild Mind Programme – Hounslow, Richmond, Kingston
The Wild Mind Programme offers wellbeing support to young people in the LGBTQ+ community who are experiencing anxiety, depression or any other mental ill-health, by offering nature and creative activities outside in the natural world.
https://thewildmindproject.org/young-lgbtq-wellbeing-support/
Please note that stem4 does not officially endorse these services. Descriptions are as provided by the organisations.
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