LGBT Foundation is one of the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ charities, and it’s based right here in Manchester on Princess Street. They’ve been going since 1975, originally as the Manchester Gay Centre, and now deliver a wide range of services for LGBTQ+ people across Greater Manchester and beyond.
Their services cover a lot of ground. There’s a free and confidential helpline, one-to-one counselling, sexual health testing including rapid HIV testing, drug and alcohol support, domestic abuse services, and programmes for older LGBTQ+ people who often face isolation. They run support groups for trans people, people coming out later in life, and LGBTQ+ parents, among others.
The building on Princess Street also functions as a community hub — you can drop in, pick up free safer sex supplies, access information, or just talk to someone. They run training for businesses and public services on LGBTQ+ inclusion, and they lead the annual Pride in Practice programme working with GP surgeries across Greater Manchester.
Find them at 5 Richmond Street, off Princess Street, Manchester M1 3HF. Open Monday to Friday. Most services are free. Check lgbt.foundation for current programmes, referral routes, and volunteering opportunities. They’re always looking for helpline volunteers, event helpers, and fundraisers.