In and around Perth & Kinross, there are a number of support groups and organisations that can help you.
Whether you’re experiencing hardships, need someone to talk to or are looking for help discreetly, we hope you find the below guidance and connections useful.
Health & Wellbeing
Putting our own health & wellbeing above other things can be challenging at times, particularly where work, home and school life are just some of the demands we have to face.
Through recognising that help is out there can really create a greater sense of support out there, and help us to address things in a proactive way.
Mental Health
Despite many folk helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, it’s still not an easy thing to talk about for some. However, there is support out there from groups and organisations that recognise the importance of sharing and discussing what’s on your mind.
Mindspace PK
Offer primarily counselling and peer support, as well as a recovery college approach.
They also offer specific support for young people aged 8 to 18.
Website | Email | Registration Form (Download)
The Neuk Mental Health Crisis Centre
We are here to offer support and solutions to people reaching out for help. This can be in any situation that leaves anyone feeling unable to cope.
Website | Email | Facebook
Samaritans
Offering a chat and support in times of need, with a free 24/7 phone service by phoning 116 123, wherever you are.
Website | Email | Self-Help App
Further Mental Health Support
P&K Health & Social Care Partnership have compiled a directory of Mental Health services in the region which you may find useful.
Mental Health
Despite many folk helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, it’s still not an easy thing to talk about for some. However, there is support out there from groups and organisations that recognise the importance of sharing and discussing what’s on your mind.
Mindspace PK
Offer primarily counselling and peer support, as well as a recovery college approach.
They also offer specific support for young people aged 8 to 18.
Website | Email | Registration Form (Download)
The Neuk Mental Health Crisis Centre
We are here to offer support and solutions to people reaching out for help. This can be in any situation that leaves anyone feeling unable to cope.
Website | Email | Facebook
Samaritans
Offering a chat and support in times of need, with a free 24/7 phone service by phoning 116 123, wherever you are.
Website | Email | Self-Help App
Further Mental Health Support
P&K Health & Social Care Partnership have compiled a directory of Mental Health services in the region which you may find useful.
Sexual Health
There’s been a lot of focus in the news and media on sexual health, particularly around the HIV epidemic through the likes of ‘It’s A Sin’ on Channel 4 and the ‘Positive’ on Sky Documentaries.
So, who can help you to keep your sexual health in check?
Fortunately, it’s quite straightforward these days, and it doesn’t always require you to visit a clinic!
Terrence Higgins Trust | Scotland
Provide sexual health support, including tailored services in Tayside. This includes providing free HIV self test kits, peer support for people living with HIV and/or Hep C.
Website | Email | Order a HIV Test Kit
Further Sexual Health Support
NHS Scotland provide an online booking service for their appointments, and can provide available appointments near to you.
Discrimination & Abuse
Whilst acceptance of LGBT+ people has improved widely in recent times, the community still faces a large amount of prejudice and discrimination. Whilst a minority feel it is acceptable to cause harm to a group or person, it still has a hugely damaging affect on people’s lives both in the short and long term.
We hope the following resources can help you through any difficulties or situations you have experienced previously, at the moment or even in the future.
Hate Crimes & Incidents
Hate crime and incidents can occur in many different ways, and it’s not always easy to recognise when they have happened.
This is when either individuals or a group are targeted because of their characteristics.
For LGBT+ people, this could be the way based on their sexuality or gender identity; other examples is where someone could be discriminated against based on their race, religion or because of a disability.
What’s the difference between ‘hate crimes’ and ‘hate incidents’?
Although the lines between what constitutes a hate crime and a hate incident can sometimes seem a bit blurred, Citizens Advice offer some details around how they can be defined. You should always try to report any incidents, either as a victim or a witness.
How you can report hate crimes and incidents?
It can be daunting to talk about something that has happened to you, or if you’ve witnessed it happening. The good thing is there are a number of ways you can report, and it doesn’t necessarily mean talking with enforcing bodies directly if you do have concerns.
Police Scotland
Call 999 if in danger
Call 101 if non-emergency
BSL Support
Use BSL 999 App
Textphone 18000
(emergency)
Textphone 18001
(non-emergency)
Report Online
Visit the online form
Third Party Reporting Centre
If you don’t feel comfortable reporting to the police directly, you can report via a local third party reporting centre.
Crimestoppers
Crimestoppers are an independent charity that give people the opportunity to report crimes 100% anonymously – they will not ask you for any personal details.
They also have a language translation service and can take reports in many different languages.
You can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or use their online form.
National Helplines
Here are some support channels that you may find useful. If you’re looking for more specific support, please contact us on hello@rainbowheartlands.co.uk and we’ll do our best to help you.
National Assistance Helpline
Support for those who are unable to leave their home and may not be able to access help online – providing access to essentials such as food and medicines.
You can also use this number to call on someone’s behalf that is looking for support.
0800 111 4000
Available Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm
RASAC Perth & Kinross
Support for women and young people (aged 12-18) who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives.
Helpline: 01738 630965
Email: support@rasacpk.org.uk
Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline
Supports women, men and transgender survivors as well as their family, friends and workers.
They can also put you in touch with local rape crisis centres or other services for longer-term support. The helpline can also support those that are deaf or hard of hearing, as well facilitating language interpreters.
08088 01 03 02
Lines open daily, 5pm – 12am midnight
LGBT Helpline Scotland
A support line for anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+ or is questioning their identity, providing support for a whole range of issues – including emotional support and information.
Call: 0800 464 7000
Email: helpline@lgbthealth.org.uk
Live chat at http://www.lgbthealth.org.uk
Provided by LGBT Health & Wellbeing
Lines available:
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday – 12pm till 9pm
Sunday – 1pm till 6pm
Scottish Trans Alliance
Work to improve trans equality, rights and inclusion in Scotland. Can help connect you with other trans people and groups to find support, as well as offer opportunities to share your thoughts and views on trans matters.
Call: 0131 467 6039
Email: info@scottishtrans.org
Website: scottishtrans.org
Equality Network
A national charity working for LGBTI equality and human rights in Scotland.
Call: 0131 467 6039
Email: en@equality-network.org
Website: www.equality-network.org
Stonewall Scotland
Run campaigns to improve the livelihoods of LGBT people and communities, as well as offer information and support through their Information Service.
Call: 0800 050 2020
(Lines open Mon – Fri, 9.30am – 4.30pm)
Website: www.stonewallscotland.org.uk
Guidance & Training
If you are looking for specific resources for training and guidance, either as an organisation, service or if you work within the local community, we are happy to help where we can.
As we are developing as a new charity, part of our future focus will be on providing training to help reduce stigma and raise awareness of LGBTQ+ needs.
Most, if not all, of our team identify as LGBTQ+, and can talk from both a lived experience as well as based on perceptions and discussions from across the community.
Once our training is up and running, either for small groups or individuals, we will get in contact with you with more information.
Email hello@rainbowheartlands.co.uk for more information.
The above information contains external links and downloads – whilst all efforts were made to ensure your safety, the contents of any external resources are not within the responsibility of Rainbow Heartlands.
Please contact the organisations or groups directly if you have any queries or concerns.
Rainbow Heartlands LGBTQ+ | Perth & Kinross 