Help and Support | Swale Pride

Explore the internet for guidance—you’re not alone.

These are excellent resources for any young person exploring LGBTQ+ identities:

If you're exploring your gender identity, these are invaluable:

Mermaids UK – Support for trans, non-binary & gender-diverse youth.
Gendered Intelligence – Education, advocacy & community for trans young people and their allies.

Sex education is often lacking—especially for LGBTQ+ youth. Here’s where to go for accurate info and services:
Kent County Council – Sexual Health – Local clinics and support services.
Your Sexual Health Matters (LGBT section) – National, LGBT‑inclusive advice.
LGBT Foundation – Sexual Health – Support and resources for LGBTQ+ people.

Big White Wall (now Togetherall) – Safe, anonymous peer community with trained moderators; free for 16–18-year-olds in Kent.
NELFT Kent Children & Young People’s Mental Health Service – Free NHS support; call 0300 123 4496 for help .
NELFT Eating Disorders Service (Kent & Medway) – Call 0300 300 1980 if eating is a concern .
NHS IAPT (England-wide counselling) – For those 17+, this tool connects you to local depression, anxiety, trauma and stress services.
HeadStart Kent – Helps build resilience for ages 10–18.
Kent County Council – Early Help & Family Support – Family-centred support services.

YoungMinds – Self-Harm Support – Practical advice and signposts for talking about self-harm.
Addaction (now We Are With You) – Offers support around self-harm, drugs & alcohol, plus mental-health guidance.
Kent Youth Health – Trusted physical and mental health advice.
Kent Health Help Now – Helps you find the right kind of urgent/non-urgent medical help.

Good Mental Health Matters – Resources for young people, families and educators.

Beach Counselling – Person-centred counselling in Sittingbourne. Contact: 07956 796606.