Here are some organisations and groups who you can get in touch with for help and support, or to make contacts and friends in spaces safe for the LGBTQIA+ community. Some are based around Congleton and the northwest of England; some are national. We’d really like to hear of any new groups you know of or are involved in setting up, and we’re also grateful to Macc Pride for providing so much of the information we needed to get started keeping this list…
Body Positive (www.bpcnw.co.uk, 01270 653150)
Offering help, advice, friendship and support to anyone who needs assistance or information around sexuality, sexual identity or gender identity, wherever they are on that journey.
Congleton Area Transgender Support (CATS) (Facebook group)
A support group for people under the trans* umbrella and people who are questioning.
FFLAG (www.fflag.org.uk, 0300 688 0368)
A national voluntary organisation and registered charity. Dedicated to supporting parents and families and their LGBTQIA+ members.
Gendered Intelligence (www.genderedintelligence.co.uk)
Established in 2008, they are a trans-led and trans-involving grassroots organisation with a wealth of lived experience, community connections of many kinds, and a depth and breadth of trans community knowledge that is second to none.
LGBT Foundation (lgbt.foundation, 03453 303030)
National charity delivering a wide range of services including: a national helpline, sexual health testing and support, free mental health and wellbeing services, support groups and advice for tackling hate crime and discrimination.
Mermaids (mermaidsuk.org.uk, 0808 801 0400)
One of Britain’s leading trans-focused charities. Supporting trans, non-binary and gender-diverse children, young people and their families since 1995
Mindline Trans+ (www.mindlinetrans.org.uk, 0300 330 5468)
An emotional and mental health support helpline for anyone who is transgender, non-binary or genderfluid. Also supports family, friends, colleagues and carers.
MindOut (www.mindout.org.uk, 0300 7729855)
A mental health service run by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people. They work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ communities and to make mental health a community concern.
Rainbow Noir (www.rainbownoirmcr.com)
Creating spaces where LGBTQI people of colour can connect with community and affirm identity and experience. Raising the visibility of LGBTQI people of colour and our experiences in Manchester, Greater Manchester and beyond.
Silver Rainbows (www.bpcnw.co.uk/silver-rainbows, 01270 653150)
Supported by Body Positive (see above), Silver Rainbows is a social and support network for older LGBT+ people in Cheshire.
Sparkle (www.sparkle.org.uk)
A 20 year old registered charity, its reach extends to transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people, their partners, families, friends, and wider society which they are part of. The annual Sparkle Weekend is a one-of-a-kind celebration of the magic of gender diversity and the joy of being trans!
Stonewall (www.stonewall.org.uk)
Founded in 1989 by people involved in the struggle against Section 28 of the Local Government Act. Provides info and support for LGBTQIA+ communities and allies.
SupportLine (www.supportline.org.uk, 01708 765200)
Offers confidential emotional support to children, young adults and adults by telephone, email, and post. It is particularly aimed at those who are socially isolated, vulnerable, at risk groups and survivors of any form of abuse.
Switchboard (switchboard.lgbt, 0800 0119 100)
Information and links to services and guidance for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. A safe space for anyone to discuss anything, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional well-being.
Terrence Higgins Trust (www.tht.org.uk, 0808 802 1221)
Britain’s leading HIV and sexual health charity. Supports and amplifies the voices of people living with HIV. Helps people to achieve good sexual health.
TRANSCEND (Facebook group)
A mutual support and discussion group based in Macclesfield for all transgender and gender variant people, their partners, families, allies and supporters.
TransUnite (www.transunite.co.uk)
A comprehensive resource for people searching for support in the transgender community. There is an easy to use, mobile friendly directory which connects you to an established network of trans support groups near you.
Unique (www.uniquetg.org.uk)
Unique Transgender Network is a voluntary group supporting trans, non-binary and gender diverse people in North Wales and West Cheshire.