Gay Helpline - There for the gay and bisexual men of Northern Ireland

The Gay Helpline is part of Cara-Friend, which was established in 1974 as a voluntary counselling, befriending, information, and social space organisation for the LGBT community in N.Ireland. Cara-Friend is composed of a range of branches, including ourselves. Each branch is set up to support specific groups or areas. Gay Helpline supports the gay and bisexual men in Northern Ireland. Our other branches cater for women, youth, parents, and those coming out. You can find out more information on the Cara-Friend organisation on this page.

What is Gay Helpline?

Gay Helpline is as the name suggests - a helpline for gay people! Have you ever had something you need to talk about, perhaps something you need to get off your chest? Maybe you need advice relating to your sexuality, feel isolated, or maybe just want to know that there ARE other gay and bisexual men in the world. Perhaps you are a parent, and you have a gay son, and would like some advice.
We can help you! We are a listening ear service, and can allow you to air your worries and ask for information. We provide information on a wide range of issues, from health information so that you stay safe, to legal information on your rights as an LGBT person, or even just a simple request for information on the gay clubs, bars, social and support groups in your area. However, you do not have to ring for a specific reason  - very often we receive calls from gay or bisexual men who are socially isolated for various reasons, and simply want to talk with another gay man.
Our volunteers are trained to be receptive and understanding and will offer friendship and support to anyone concerned about sexuality, including parents of gay and lesbian children.

We can also provide a befriending service if you have no gay contacts.

What is a Befriending?

If you feel isolated and alone, it can be hard dealing with your sexuality. A befriending could be the answer.
A befriending allows you the chance to meet with two or more of our volunteers, to sit and have a chat, maybe a coffee. It's a good way of introducing yourself to a few of your fellow community members!
From there, our volunteers can talk to you about any thoughts you have, any questions you might have. They can give you some information if you need it. Then, we can tell you about the LGBT groups that might be running in your area, including the ones we run ourselves, and perhaps you can come along to one!

It can be an intimidating idea, but you have nothing to fear! And who knows, you might make a whole new circle of friends!

Will what I say be confidential?

Absolutely! Any information you provide to the Gay Helpline will remain totally confidential. How much information you provide is entirely up to you, our volunteers will never pressure you to talk about things that you don't want to!

Sounds good! How do I get in touch?

Our contact information is at the top of each page on this website. Further contact information, such as our address and Cara-Friend contact details, are available on our 'Get in touch!' page.