Welcome to our LGBTQ+ support area
Almost one in five LGBTQ+ people experience homelessness at some point in their lives. If you are LGBTQ+ and at risk of losing your home, or if you’re experiencing homelessness, help is available in the BCP area – as well as from national organisations. You’ll also find support to address situations that can affect housing, such as health and wellbeing.
Scroll down to find the right support for you.
Your guide to support for the LGBTQ+ community
LGBTQ+ homelessness support
Housing and homelessness charity Shelter has plenty of LGBTQ+ advice, whether you’re experiencing homelessness, sofa surfing or feeling unsafe where you’re currently living.
Shelter’s guide offers tips on finding emergency housing and lists free LGBTQ+ support helplines.
Click the button below to read more.
Dealing with housing discrimination
It is against the law for landlords or letting agents to refuse to rent to you, or treat you unfairly, based on sexual orientation, sex, gender, race, disability or religion.
Shelter’s guide will help if you’re LGBTQ+ and have experienced discrimination with your housing.
Finding an LGBTQ+ friendly home
Shelter offers support with finding an LGBTQ+ friendly privately rented home.
Their guide offers advice on ads, viewings, house shares and renting a room – along with safety tips.
Advice is aimed at those who want to live with other people who identify as LGBTQ+, or share with a mix of people who might not be LGBTQ+ but are welcoming and accepting. Click on the guide below.
Image credit: Citizens Advice BCP
Homelessness, housing & finance
If you’re at risk of homelessness, experiencing homelessness or worried about money, contact the services below as soon as possible.
Let’s Talk Renting – 01202 985104 or www.hpbcp.org/lets-talk-renting
Advice for private tenants with rent arrears, at risk of eviction or property disrepair issues.
BCP Council Housing Advice Team – 01202 123147
Support line for people in the BCP area who are at risk of homelessness.
St Mungo’s Outreach Team – 01202 315962
Call for assistance if you’re sleeping rough or want to help someone who’s on the streets.
Citizens Advice BCP – www.citizensadvicebcp.org.uk
Free advice on housing, benefits, debt, family, relationships, employment and more.
Health, wellbeing & community
Health and wellbeing concerns can affect our ability to maintain housing. The guide below lists specialist LGBTQ+ support that’s available in the BCP area
Space Youth Project – www.spaceyouthproject.co.uk
Supporting young gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and questioning people.
Steps to Wellbeing – www.steps2wellbeing.co.uk/lgbtq
Mental health support with the facility to self-refer.
MindOut LGBTQIA+ Wellbeing Group – www.dorsetmind.uk
Mental health support and groups for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Over the Rainbow – www.rainbowdorset.co.uk
NHS health, sexual health and counselling support.
Intercom Trust – www.intercomtrust.org.uk
Tackling homophobic/transphobic prejudice, crime and discrimination.
Body Positive Dorset – www.bodypositivedorset.org
Advice, support and counselling for people living with or affected by HIV.
Breakfree – www.transunite.co.uk/group/breakfree
Local group support and social evenings for trans people aged 18+
Iris LGBTQ+ Society – www.subu.org.uk/organisation/irissociety
Safe space and social group for LGBTQ+ students at BU and AUB.
Bourne Free – www.bournefree.co.uk
Charity organisation striving for inclusivity. Organiser of Bourne Free pride.
LGBT Network for Change – www.lgbtnetwork4change.com
Network run by and for LGBTQ+ members and allies.
Image credit: Bourne Free
National LGBTQ+ support
National LGBTQ+ organisations offer a wealth of advice and support:
Albert Kennedy Trust – www.akt.org.uk
Support for young people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness.
Switchboard – www.switchboard.lgbt
Operators of a national LGBTQIA+ support line on 0800 0119 100.
Galop – www.galop.org.uk
Supporting LGBTQ+ people who have experienced abuse and violence.
LGBT Foundation – lgbt.foundation
National charity offering LGBT+ support for health and wellbeing.
LGBT Hero – www.lgbthero.org.uk
Health and wellbeing support charity for the LGBTQ+ community.
Stonewall – www.stonewall.org.uk
Representing lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer and questioning people.
WAY – www.widowedandyoung.org.uk
Support for people aged 50 or under when their partner died.
