Switchboard’s offices are fully accessible and were paid for by community fundraising and grants. We’re based in Islington, North London – a convenient location for many of our volunteers. Because even if we rang a number someone had left for us on a message, how could we be sure we’d be speaking to the person who’d left the message? Where is Switchboard? This is part of our commitment to ensure your confidentiality. You are not able to leave a message and we aren’t able to return calls. When you call the helpline we do not have a caller display so we don’t see your number. Can I leave a message? Will you call me back? We want to take your call and we’ll answer it as soonĪs we can.
We understand how frustrating thatĭon’t give up. When you call us you are placed in a queue. There is more than one way of getting in touch. We try to aim to have more volunteers on shift in theĮvenings and at weekends when demand is higher. Which you are answered can also depend on the number of volunteers available at Some calls last a few minutes, others can last almost an hour. The helpline is staffed by volunteers and we answer thousands of calls a year.
How long will it take for my call to be answered? Never judge your choices, we aim to make you aware of your own sexual health. To prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. One of the things we are committed to discussing with our callers is safer sex We will listen while you talk through your options with you and hope that you’ll feel empowered by coming up with your own solutions. We also believe you are best placed to know your situation and the answer that’s right for you. We understand it might take you some time to get to the main thing you really want to talk about. Sometimes it takes a while to get to the heart of an issue. Nothing is off limits, and if you feel nervous when you hear that strange voice – there’s no rush, take your time.įor over 40 years people have been talking to us about: We are here to listen to anything that you want to talk about.
And then there are friends, parents or family members of LGBT+ loved ones who are looking for some independent advice and support – we welcome them all! What can I talk about? The majority of those who call are LGBT+ but we also get lots of callers who are considering issues around their sexuality. There are about 160 trained telephone volunteers at Switchboard who all identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans. We are open between 10am and 10pm every day of the week, 365 days of the year. Our helpline number is 03 Calls to this number will cost you the same as calls to 01 and 02 numbers and are included in any call allowances you may have either on a mobile or a landline. We know how nervous you might feel, but you