LGBTQ+ counselling for young people

About this service

Counselling is a safe and non-judgemental space for you to talk openly about what's going on in your life. We provide eight free one-to-one counselling sessions for young people who identify as LGBTQ+ and/or those experiencing issues relating to diversity, equality and identity.

This service is currently working both remotely (online and over the telephone) and also with face-to-face options. For those 8-18 we are able to offer eight sessions of counselling face-to-face at METRO New Cross. For young people that are 13 and under who are unable to join us face-to-face, we are offering wellbeing check-ins remotely.

Parental consent is required for any counselling or wellbeing check-ins with those who are 13 and under.

Who can use this service?

You need to be aged between 8 and 18, live in any London borough, identify as LGBTQ+ and/or be experiencing issues related to equality, diversity and identity.

Why people use this service

• I want support for issues related to my mental health
• I want to talk to someone who won't judge me
• I want to talk about my sexual orientation and/or gender identity
• I'd like to improve my self-esteem
• I want to explore my relationships with family, friends, partner(s) or other people in my life
• I'm questioning my identity and I'd like to talk to someone about it

How we can help

• Feel more able to manage challenging situations in your life
• Improve your understanding of yourself
• Work towards increasing your emotional wellbeing
• Increase your own sense of self-acceptance
• Feel supported by someone who understands you

Get in touch

Email counselling@metrocharity.org.uk, or call our mental health team on 020 8305 5009. You can refer yourself into the service, or be referred by someone who works with you (like a GP or social worker).

We'll get back to you as soon as possible to arrange a free initial counselling assessment. This will be a chance to talk about what has brought you to counselling and find out if METRO is the appropriate service to support you. If you decide to go ahead, you'll join our waiting list to see a counsellor. Please note, due to reduced capacity there will be a wait for counselling. We are currently unable to give an exact waiting time.

Every person deserves acceptance and understanding

LGBTQ+ people are more likely to be affected by mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, suicidal feelings and substance misuse. The higher prevalence of mental health issues within the LGBTQ+ community is due to a range of factors, including discrimination, homophobia/biphobia/transphobia and isolation. Many LGBTQ+ people don't use mainstream support services because they're afraid of stigma, discrimination or a lack of understanding.

Our counselling service helps LGBTQ+ people talk to a professional in a setting where they feel accepted and affirmed for who they are. All our counsellors have extensive knowledge of issues affecting LGBTQ+ people. This means it's a safe and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about what's happening in your life.

How we make a difference

Our counsellors help LGBTQ+ people gain greater insight into themselves, their relationships and their life challenges. Over time, this can increase their sense of autonomy and emotional wellbeing as they develop their own strategies for dealing with any difficulties they may face.

Every year, we provide over 1000 hours of counselling to LGBTQ+ people from all over London. We offer short-term counselling, which is up to 12 sessions.

We help people to increase their self-acceptance and feel more able to manage challenging situations in their lives. We also refer people to our other services, including for sexual health, mental health advocacy or HIV.