Relationships — Lesbian and Gay

This script provides support information for gay, lesbian and bisexual people and their parents or other family members. If you have been affected by changes in the sexuality of your partner, parent or other family member, you will find details of organisations which can offer you support and information. There's also organisations that can help you if your own sexuality has become an issue in a relationship breakdown or custody dispute.

The London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard provide a 24 hour phone service to anyone in the UK on 0207 837 7324. LLGS offer information, support and referrals to lesbians, bisexuals, gay men, transsexuals and straight people wanting information on gay issues. You can also visit their website at www.llgs.org.uk.

Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays or FFLAG offers confidential support, information and a sympathetic ear for parents, families, straight partners and friends of lesbian, gay and bisexual people. You can phone them on 01454 852 418. Or write to FFLAG at PO Box 84, Exeter EX4 4AN. You can also e-mail than at info@fflag.org.uk, or visit their website at www.fflag.org.uk.

The only organisation specifically supporting those who find themselves married to a gay or lesbian partner is the international Straight Spouse Network. Their website is www.ssnetwork.org and you can contact the UK section by e-mail at ssnetwork@softhome.net.

If you're a young person affected by homophobia or an adult concerned about a young person, EACH - Educational Action Challenging Homophobia offers support for young people including the children of a gay or lesbian parent. Call their helpline 0117 974 3795 (Mondays to Fridays 9am-5pm) or you can e-mail them at help@eachaction.org.uk or visit their website at www.eachaction.org.uk.

Relate offers counselling, psychosexual therapy, and other services to help those experiencing difficulties in any adult couple relationship. Please contact their helpline on 0845 456 1310 (Mondays to Fridays 9.30am-4.30pm) for details of local centres, services and publications available, or call the advice line 08451 30 40 10 to talk to a counsellor. This line can be very busy so you may find the information you need on their website at www.relate.org.uk.

It can be difficult as parents to find that you and your partner have differing outlooks and aspirations in life. Parentline Plus offers help and support to anyone in a parenting role through their helpline. Call their free confidential helpline 24 hours a day on 0808 800 22 22. You can also find more information on the website at www.parentlineplus.org.uk.

If you're a young person ChildLine provides free and confidential counselling for anyone up to the age of 18, on anything that's troubling you. The free helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day on 0800 11 11. If you have difficulty in hearing or in using a regular phone try their textphone service on 0800 400 222. ChildLine phonelines can be very busy but do keep trying and you will get through. More information is on their website at www.childline.org.uk.

If you decide to come out as a lesbian or a gay man you might want some sympathetic advice before you take the big decision. Check out the Channel 4 Coming Out website which is a comprehensive beginner's guide.

This message has been prepared and updated regularly by Programme Support at Channel 4.

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