When I was 29 the fear, doubts and insecurities about my sexuality very nearly pushed me over the edge. Fortunately, at my lowest point, it was possible for me to seek advice and support from the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard (LLGS).
They provided me with a different perspective on my troubles, which was the basis for overcoming depression and turning my life around.
Yet, I’m just one of an estimated three million people this amazing listening, information and referral service has managed to aid since it was founded in 1974. Back then, LLGS was in just one small room above a King’s Cross bookshop (it’s now in another location in Islington). Initially the helpline operated for only five hours every evening, however, due to phenomenal demand, there was an expansion to 24-hour call-assistance within a few years.
In such a conspicuously materialistic world, it’s affirming to be reminded that it is possible to deliver such a service thanks to the contribution almost solely of volunteers – roughly 160. Ironically, though, when I arrive I am met by the only paid member of staff, Tristan. Charged with running the office on a daily basis, he was inspired to work for this organisation for personal reasons: “My mum realised I was gay when I was a teenager, so she rang here to ask what the best way she could help me was. You know, should she tell me that she knew about my sexuality or not, and if she didn’t, how could she best offer support in a tacit manner, etc.”
Sam, a spokesperson for LLGS tells me about volunteer training (core acceptance) in respect of the helpline: “It’s a rigorous selection process and lasts anything from two (the absolute minimum) to six months… We employ members of the LGBT community, as we feel that they are in the best position to empathise with non-straight issues, such as, they will all have gone through ‘coming out’, and so forth.”
Importantly, once new recruits have been ratified they receive continued support from other colleagues in regards to their assistance to the public. For instance, if they’ve had a particularly difficult or emotional call, there’s always someone available to talk things through. You have to be over 18 if you’d like to lend a hand to this charity, but there’s no upper age ceiling. It’s also worth noting that as well as their phone operation, LLGS also deals with those in need of aid via emails and an instant messaging text service.
Since the 2008 financial crisis and the continuing recession it gave rise to, hundreds of charities have been hit by severe cuts in funding. LLGS is no exception – the establishment used to get backing from the Pan London HIV Prevention Partnership, but when this body was chopped and LLGS came under the remit of London Councils instead, their budget was slashed.
“This makes absolutely no sense at all, as there’s only a £50-70,000 outlay per year to run the centre,” bemoans Sam. “Yet, there are many men who have sex with men who don’t identify as gay. As it’s anonymous, a service like ours might be the only place they’d get safe-sex advice. If that’s taken away, just think about it, if just one of these people who might have rung us gets HIV – treatment can run to £15,000-£20,000 in one year alone.”
On average it costs LLGS £3 to answer a call. And they rely on the generosity of benefactors to enable them to cover these expenses as well as other charges for things like heating, IT, lighting, and stationery, etc.
Therefore, any financial support that they can receive is always much needed; so, if you’re thinking about a donation consider becoming a Friend of the charity by making a regular gift. Alternatively, it’s possible to contribute with a one-off payment. Choosing to volunteer can also result in an enormous difference to the lives of individuals in the LGBT community. For more details on volunteering on the helpline service, as a fundraiser or an information researcher ring 020 7837 6768 or see www.llgs.org.uk.
• Helpline info: Call 0300 330 0630 between 10am-11pm every day of the year.
• 24hour email service: [email protected]
