Help and Support
Get help and the support you need
If you need to talk to someone about your sexuality or gender identity, you would like to join a specific LGBT+ group or you would like information and advice on hate crime, get in touch with our community partners Derbyshire LGBT+
Derbyshire LGBT+ are the only specialist support service in Derbyshire.
National links for help and support
Trans and non-binary people’s general health needs are the same as anyone else’s. But trans people may have specific health needs in relation to gender dysphoria.
Your particular needs may be best addressed by transgender health services offered by NHS gender dysphoria clinics (GDCs).
All NHS GDCs are commissioned by NHS England, who set the service specifications for how they work.
A GP or another health professional can refer you directly to one of the 8 GDCs. You do not need an assessment by a mental health service first. Neither does the GP need prior approval from their Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
The websites of the clinics listed on the page also have useful information for you to think about before you see a GP.
The Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS)
The Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) is a highly specialised clinic for young people presenting with difficulties with their gender identity. Our service was established in 1989.
We are commissioned by NHS England who set the service specifications for how we work.
Some people feel uncomfortable with the gender they were assigned at birth whilst others are unhappy with the gender role that society requires. We help our clients to explore their feelings and choose the path that best suits their ideals.
We spend a lot of time engaging with clients to understand their thought processes and to help them manage any uncertainties they may have and be understood.
Sexual Health for Gay & Bisexual Men
Having unprotected penetrative sex is the most likely way to pass on a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Using a condom helps protect against HIV and lowers the risk of getting many other STIs.
A survey of gay and bisexual men by Stonewall revealed that 1 in 3 men had never had an HIV test, and 1 in 4 had never been tested for any STI.
Men who have sex with men (MSM) should have a check-up at least every 6 months at a sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. This is important, as some STIs do not cause any symptoms.
Samaritans
Samaritans provides emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.
If you need more information or guidance on your rights, the following links below might be helpful.
LGBT Foundation
LGBT Foundation is a national charity delivering advice, support and information services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities.
Stonewall
COVID-19 and the lockdown have had a huge impact on all of our lives. Some parts of the LGBT community have been particularly hard hit.
But there are organisations and support services ready to listen and give advice, however you have been affected. Some are LGBT specific and we are working with many more frontline services to help them help you. All of them are there for you.