LGBTQ+ Care Leavers

Sexuality describes how you express yourself in a sexual way. Part of your sexuality is your sexual orientation, which refers to who you’re attracted to, want to have sex with and fall in love with. You might also want to date both genders or you might not be interested in either or having a relationship at all. Or you might be confused about how you feel all together, if you do, don't worry, some people know from an early age and some may not know until they are older and more comfortable with themselves.

Advice on Coming Out

Some people are really confident at displaying their sexuality but it's not easy for everyone, however there are loads of different organisations throughout Hampshire and Nationally that can offer support, information and groups of like-minded people.

Sexuality describes how you express yourself in a sexual way. Part of your sexuality is your sexual orientation, which refers to who you’re attracted to, want to have sex with and fall in love with. You might also want to date both genders or you might not be interested in either or having a relationship at all. Or you might be confused about how you feel all together, if you do, don't worry, some people know from an early age and some may not know until they are older and more comfortable with themselves.

Advice on Coming Out

Some people are really confident at displaying their sexuality but it's not easy for everyone, however there are loads of different organisations throughout Hampshire and Nationally that can offer support, information and groups of like-minded people.

Some LGBTQ+ care leavers experience:

Loneliness or isolation
Anxiety or low mood
Rejection from family or friends
Bullying, discrimination or hate incidents
Worries about identity, relationships or acceptance

You are not alone, and support is available.

You can:

Speak to your GP
Talk to your Personal Adviser
Access counselling or mental health support
Contact LGBTQ+ support organisations for advice and peer support

Visit our mental health section to find out more about the support available for your mental health.

Some LGBTQ+ care leavers experience:

Loneliness or isolation
Anxiety or low mood
Rejection from family or friends
Bullying, discrimination or hate incidents
Worries about identity, relationships or acceptance

You are not alone, and support is available.

You can:

Speak to your GP
Talk to your Personal Adviser
Access counselling or mental health support
Contact LGBTQ+ support organisations for advice and peer support

Visit our mental health section to find out more about the support available for your mental health.

Having people around you who understand and support you is important.

There are LGBTQ+ groups, youth organisations and online communities where you can:

Meet other young people
Build confidence
Make friends
Get advice and support
Take part in social activities and events

You do not have to go through things on your own.

Local LGBTQ+ support groups and services to help you find a community

Breakout Youth

For young people aged 11–25
Runs groups across Hampshire (including Southampton, Basingstoke, Andover and the New Forest)

Beyond Reflections

Supports trans, non-binary and questioning people
Based in Southampton, with support across Hampshire

Y Services (LGBTQ+ youth groups)

Local groups for young people in areas like Gosport and Fareham

Hampshire Trans+ Network

A community group run by and for trans people
Based in Winchester

Other local support

You deserve to feel safe and accepted

There are people and places in Hampshire where you can be yourself.

4U Project (Portsmouth) – support for LGBTQ+ young people and families
No Limits (Southampton) – advice, wellbeing and support for young people, including LGBTQ+ support
Hampshire LGBT+ Alliance – connects local groups and helps organise events across Hampshire

Having people around you who understand and support you is important.

There are LGBTQ+ groups, youth organisations and online communities where you can:

Meet other young people
Build confidence
Make friends
Get advice and support
Take part in social activities and events

You do not have to go through things on your own.

Local LGBTQ+ support groups and services to help you find a community

Breakout Youth

For young people aged 11–25
Runs groups across Hampshire (including Southampton, Basingstoke, Andover and the New Forest)

Beyond Reflections

Supports trans, non-binary and questioning people
Based in Southampton, with support across Hampshire

Y Services (LGBTQ+ youth groups)

Local groups for young people in areas like Gosport and Fareham

Hampshire Trans+ Network

A community group run by and for trans people
Based in Winchester

Other local support

You deserve to feel safe and accepted

There are people and places in Hampshire where you can be yourself.

4U Project (Portsmouth) – support for LGBTQ+ young people and families
No Limits (Southampton) – advice, wellbeing and support for young people, including LGBTQ+ support
Hampshire LGBT+ Alliance – connects local groups and helps organise events across Hampshire

Pride events are a chance to celebrate who you are, meet people, and feel part of a community.

Portsmouth Pride

📍 Southsea Common

Winchester Pride

📍 Winchester city centre

Southampton Pride

📍 Guildhall Square
One of the biggest events in the area, with:

Parade through the city
Live music and performances
Community groups and stalls

Pride events are a chance to celebrate who you are, meet people, and feel part of a community.

Portsmouth Pride

📍 Southsea Common

Winchester Pride

📍 Winchester city centre

Southampton Pride

📍 Guildhall Square
One of the biggest events in the area, with:

Parade through the city
Live music and performances
Community groups and stalls

Become Charity

· Provides advice and information, tailored support for LGBTQ+ care leavers and a LGBTQ+ Youth in Care Network, where young people can share their views and help improve services

Care Leaver Covenant

· Provides help with jobs and training, education opportunities and support with independent living

Stonewall

· Provides information, advice and LGBTQ+ support resources.

akt

· Supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16–25 who are facing homelessness or unsafe housing.

Mermaids

· Support for trans and gender-diverse young people and their families.

The Proud Trust

· Offers groups, youth work and resources for LGBTQ+ young people.

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline

· Confidential listening support and information.

Consortium
This membership organisation work to support LGBT+ organisations and projects around the country. Use the site's Member's Directory to find local mental health services.

LGBT Foundation
The LGBT Foundation offers information, advice, and support services, including a Talking Therapies Programme to LGBT people.

Mind LGBTQ
Get information about mental health support for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, non-binary, queer or questioning (LGBTIQ).

Pink Therapy
Pink Therapy has an online directory of therapists who work with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer or questioning (LGBTIQ), and people who are gender- and sexual-diverse (GSD).

Stonewall
Find LGBT mental health services near you using Stonewall's "What's in my area?"search box.

Mind Out

Mind Out provides face to face mental health support in Sussex but support people who live any where in the UK online.

Imaan
Imaan is a charity that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) Muslims, providing an online forum where people can share experiences and ask for help.

Hampshire Police have Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers (LAGLO) who will speak to you in complete confidentiality if you are experiencing any discrimination or bullying.