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An LGBT+ helpline run by Chester Pride has reported a “steep rise” in calls from people seeking support due to having “dark thoughts”, the charity has revealed. The Just Ask helpline supports any LGBT+ person with any issues that may be worrying them and Chester Pride chair Warren Allmark said that they had noticed a worrying rise in demand for their services of late.
The helpline supports people with concerns about any issues, including coming out, hate crime, mental health support, social anxiety or isolation, gender transitioning, sexual health and domestic abuse. They offer confidential support or will signpost to other sources of support as appropriate.
Warren told Cheshire Live that one of the issues LGBT+ people had faced came as a result of the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. He explained that a number of students who had been able to be openly LGBT+ while at university were forced into the closet when they had to return home after lectures moved online.
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And some young people had been kicked out by their own families after finding out they were LGBT+, ending up homeless and in dire need of support from organisations like Chester Pride’s Just Ask service.
Chester Pride’s chair, Warren Allmark told Cheshire Live: “There’s been an increase in dark thoughts and a steep jump in calls to the helpline – enough to notice it. The helpline is here for people but it is stretching our staff who have been working longer hours than they should.
“We’ve seen a lot of young people going to uni where they were openly gay and then due to Covid they have come home and gone back into the closet. Their parents have found out and kicked them out.
“We’ve been supporting people looking for accommodation as a result of this.”
The Just Ask helpline offers tailored support for LGBT+ people across Cheshire and further afield in Merseyside and North Wales. Chester Pride’s longer term plan is to set up separate support groups for these areas but for now it is covering all of these areas.
(Image: Cheshire Live)
Chester Pride raises funds for its work, including the Just Ask helpline, through various events across the course of a year. A major highlight of its calendar returns on August 13 and 14, with a bumper two-day Chester Pride returning after a two-year break due to Covid.
The charity, which is also celebrating its 10th birthday this year, raises funds through the opening of its popular Rainbow Tea Rooms too. The café, based on Bridge Street in Chester, provides a safe space and community hub.
It is believed to be the only Pride café for miles around. Chester Pride is only aware of two other such venues based in the south.
There are a number of ways to contact Just Ask, including email to justask@chesterpride.co.uk call, text or WhatsApp 07718 066684 or by calling 01244 257602.
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