LGBTQ+ counselling service closing on 31st October

Sadly, our LGBTQ+ counselling service will be closing on 31st October.

Knowing that funding would eventually come to an end, we have been trying for the last 18 months to get funding to continue the service. Unfortunately, every funding application has been unsuccessful. With no funding left for the service, we’ve sadly had to make the decision to close it.

Our counselling service provided low cost support to people who needed it. There were no long waiting lists, no limit on the number of sessions that someone can have, and it ended up being a lifeline for many people.

It’s getting tougher out there for small charities, and especially LGBTQ+ charities. Funders are changing their priorities and providing grants to LGBTQ+ charities is becoming increasingly seen as controversial. Additionally, counselling generally doesn’t get the financial support it needs, regardless of whether it’s an LGBTQ+ service or not. It’s clear there needs to be some changes so that everyone is able to access counselling support, and so that LGBTQ+ charities receive the level of support they need to continue.

We will continue to apply for funding in the hope of reviving this service. But for now, sadly it will need to close at the end of this month.

If you are in need of counselling, we recommend self-referral to NHS Talking Therapies.