How to ask for help safely
Asking for help can feel scary, especially if you are unsure how someone will react. You can start by choosing someone who feels safe, such as a youth worker, school nurse, counsellor, or another trusted adult. You can say that you are struggling, that something has happened, or that you need support with your identity or wellbeing. You can ask how your information will be used before you share anything personal. If you are asking for help online, choose organisations that are known, reputable, and clear about confidentiality. You never have to share private details with strangers or people who make you uncomfortable. See a list of organisations below. 

 

How to advocate for yourself in school or healthcare settings

Advocating for yourself means speaking up about what you need, but it does not mean doing it alone. You can bring a friend, youth worker, or trusted adult to meetings. You can write down what you want to say beforehand. You can ask questions about your rights, how decisions are made, and what support is available. You can say if something does not feel safe or fair. You can also ask for things to be explained in a way that makes sense to you. Your voice matters, and you deserve to be included in decisions about your life.

 

What to do if you are not believed or dismissed

If someone does not take you seriously, it does not mean your experience is not real. You can try speaking to someone else, such as another teacher, a safeguarding lead, a school nurse, or a youth worker. You can ask for a second opinion in healthcare settings. You can bring written notes or examples of what has been happening. You can also ask someone you trust to speak on your behalf if that feels easier. You deserve support, and you deserve to be heard.

Local support options
Here in Gloucestershire, we have LGBTQIA+ youth groups, mental health services, school nurses, safeguarding teams, and community organisations. They can offer emotional support, practical advice, and safe spaces to meet other young people. They can also help you with things like school issues, identity questions, or worries about home.

LGBTQIA+ Organisations in Gloucestershire 
 

Identity Space  
LGBTQIA+ counselling and mentoring service offering support with gender identity, sexuality, and relationship diversity, with sliding scale fees.  
Gloucestershire  
www.identityspace.org

LGBT+ Partnership Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and Beyond  
Network and advocacy group connecting organisations, marking LGBTQ+ calendar events, and supporting community visibility.  
Cheltenham and Gloucestershire  
https://lgbtchelt.co.uk/

Pride in Gloucestershire  
Countywide Pride charity is running the main Pride event in Glos, Pride on Tour, and community events.  
Gloucestershire  
https://www.prideinglos.org.uk 

Queering the Wye  
Rural LGBTQIA+ arts and community organisation offering creative workshops, rural queer visibility, community events, co-produced research, and trauma-informed practice.  
Wye Valley and Forest of Dean

www.fieldnotescommunity.org/projects/queeringthewye 

Queer Youth Project (QYP)  
Rural LGBTQIA+ youth work offering creative workshops, identity spaces, land-based sessions, and trauma-informed facilitation.  
Forest of Dean and Wye Valley  
Part of Queering the Wye

Gloucestershire Gay and Lesbian Community (GGLC)  
Community group hosting online and in-person meet-ups, socials, and guest talks.  
Gloucestershire  
www.gglc.co.uk

 

Young Gloucestershire 

Runs the Arcus Project for trans young people and their families 

https://www.youngglos.org.uk/what-we-do/family-support/family_gender_support/

Organisations in Nearby Areas 
 

The Diversity Trust  
Runs Alphabets LGBTQ+ Youth (ages 13 to 19), LGBTQ+ wellbeing sessions, and adult groups.  
South Gloucestershire  
www.diversitytrust.org.uk/events/lgbtq-youth-cafe-open-in-yate

National support options
National organisations can offer helplines, online chats, information, and specialist support for LGBTQIA+ young people. These services can be helpful if you want to talk to someone outside your local area, if you need advice about your rights, or if you want support that is available outside school hours. Many national services also provide information about mental health, identity, relationships, and safety.

Mind
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/lgbtqiaplus-mental-health/useful-contacts/

The Mix
85258 (crisis messenger service, text THEMIX)
themix.org.uk
Support and advice for under 25s, including a crisis messenger service, email and webchat.

MindOut
mindout.org.uk
Mental health service run by and for LGBTQ people.

Stonewall
08000 50 20 20
stonewall.org.uk
Information and advice for LGBT people on a range of issues.

TransActual
transactual.org.uk
Information for trans and non-binary people on healthcare and the law.