To mark the start of Pride season, our S+W Together LGBTIA Group is raising funds for Switchboard to support them in tackling isolation and loneliness.  After a year of upheaval, social restrictions and emotional hardship for us all, their work within the community has become more important than ever.

Switchboard the LGBT+ Helpline is a confidential helpline open to the LGBTQ+ communities and beyond, for anyone who wants to talk about gender identity, sexuality, sexual health and emotional wellbeing. They operate a telephone line, instant messaging and email service from 10am to 10pm, 365 days a year. 

With the Covid-19 crisis leaving many LGBTQ+ people feeling more isolated than ever before,  they provide a critical lifeline in allowing people to talk about their mental health, confront stigmas and tackle the loneliness they may be experiencing. 

These are some of the many reasons that Switchboard exists, and has done since 1974.