Carers from the LGBTQ+ community
If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or queer you may feel you face additional challenges as a carer, both practical and emotional. You may face similar challenges if the person you care for is LGBTQ+.
You may feel uncomfortable about coming out to people who can help. You may be anxious about accessing services and have concerns that they may not be LGBT friendly or that some services are 'not for you' or people might not understand your needs or what you're going through. Sometimes people can even be put off seeking support because they worry about others' reactions, or even discrimination.
However, there is support for you as a carer, whoever you are - and people cannot discriminate against you. You'll find Caring for Carers at Improving Lives Plymouth a fully welcoming place - and you can expect a warm welcome from our team.
Register as a carer here.
Useful links
Intercom Trust is a lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans+ charity working across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and the wider South West, providing:
- Help and support
- Advocacy
- Counselling
- Training
- Information
- Support groups
- Online directory
- Community surveys
- Conferences
- Consultancy
The Intercom Trust online directory is a great place to get local information that may be of interest.
Pride in Plymouth is a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) that brings people and groups together to celebrate, promote the diversity and talent that exist within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities in Plymouth.
LGBT Foundation is a national charity delivering a wide range of services to lesbian, gay and bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities.
Stonewall - acceptance without expectation. Stonewall exists to let all lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people, here and abroad, to help them know they're not alone.
FFLAG - Family and Friends of Lesbian and Gays is a national voluntary organisation and registered charity dedicated to supporting parents and their lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans daughters and sons. Offer support to help parents and families understand, accept and support their lesbian, gay and bisexual members with love and pride.
Mermaids is passionate about supporting children, young people, and their families to achieve a happier life in the face of great adversity. They work to raise awareness about gender nonconformity in children and young people amongst professionals and the general public. They campaign for the recognition of gender dysphoria in young people and call for improvements in professional services.
TransUnite is a comprehensive resource for people in the UK searching for support in the transgender community