As we mark our 50th anniversary, LGBT Foundation continues to stand proudly as the UK’s leading health and wellbeing charity for LGBTQ+ people.
From a grassroots helpline to a national charity supporting over 53,000 people this year alone, our mission remains unchanged: to celebrate and empower LGBTQ+ communities so every person can thrive.
53,000 people supported
through life-changing services
3,394 appointments at
Indigo Gender Service
3,889 helpline
calls and emails answered
1,440 hours
of counselling delivered
18,000 people engaged
by our Village Angels community safety volunteers
167,590 condoms and 153,605 sachets of lube
distributed
1,222 people
trained in LGBTQ+ inclusion
210 active volunteers, giving over 1,000 hours of therapy and thousands more in community time
This year, our national helpline celebrated its 50th year, having supported over 250,000 people since its inception. This year alone, thousands reached out for help with mental health, discrimination, and coming out — and were met with compassion and understanding.
“Thank you for reminding me that I matter.”
Our talking therapies provided 1,440 hours of counselling, with 96% of clients reporting improved wellbeing and 99% saying we understood their needs.
We continued to champion sexual health without shame, testing over 900 people and engaging 8,100 through outreach events.
Through Indigo Gender Service, the NHS adult trans healthcare partnership for Greater Manchester, we delivered 3,394 appointments and maintained one of the shortest waiting times nationally.
Satisfaction remains exceptionally high, with 98% rating the service good or very good.
“Being able to talk to a Care Navigator after my appointment really helped me feel seen and supported.”
Our Village Angels delivered over 3,300 volunteer hours, engaging 18,000 people and helping 504 to get home safely — ensuring Manchester’s Gay Village remains a welcoming and safe place for all.
Our Recovery and Domestic Abuse services continued to provide trauma-informed, LGBTQ+-affirming support:
825 attendances
at recovery groups
492 substance misuse
assessments
by our team
234 new referrals
to domestic abuse services
61 people housed safely after fleeing abuse
“You’ve helped me rediscover myself. I feel like I’ve got control back of my life at long last.”
From our Pride in Ageing programme for over-50s (hosting 109 events with 1,120 attendees) to our Women’s Programme and Inclusive Cities community cafés, we’ve continued to create safe, joyful, and affirming spaces for connection.
Our Village Heroes kept Manchester’s Gay Village clean and welcoming, while our Village Action Forum strengthened partnerships to enhance safety and inclusion.
Our Pride in Practice programme continues to transform healthcare — now working with over 1,100 healthcare providers and having trained over 25,000 professionals to deliver affirming care for LGBTQ+ patients.
Our Training Academy reached 1,222 learners from 25 organisations, with 98% recommending our inclusion training.
This year, we responded to 17 government consultations,
ensuring LGBTQ+ voices shaped national policy.
This year, 210 incredible volunteers donated their time and passion — from counsellors and community safety volunteers to trustees and advocates. Their dedication ensures queer hope and joy reach every corner of our communities.
Thank you to all our volunteers, funders, donors, and allies who make LGBT Foundation’s work possible.
“Volunteering with LGBT Foundation has been one of the most fulfilling years of my life.”
Our full annual report and audited accounts can be accessed HERE.
In the past five decades, LGBT Foundation has grown from a grassroots volunteer-run helpline to the UK’s leading health and wellbeing charity for LGBTQ+ people.
Queer liberation remains our goal.
