In a distressing turn of events, the LGBTQ+ Cymru Helpline, based in Swansea, is teetering on the brink of closure due to a severe funding crisis. Debbie Lane, the founder of the helpline, has sounded the alarm, warning that lives are at stake if adequate funding isn’t secured promptly.
The situation is nothing short of heart-wrenching. While the helpline can still provide counseling to existing clients, it has been forced to turn away new referrals, including vulnerable children seeking support. The National Lottery Community Fund in Wales has recently provided two grants, but the helpline requires an estimated £150,000 annually to operate effectively.
The LGBTQ+ Cymru Helpline, established in 2004, has been a lifeline for countless individuals, including children as young as seven. In 2021, it expanded its services to include heterosexual clients, constituting 30% of its clientele. This expansion led to its relaunch as the Swansea Rainbow Counselling Centre, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity.
During the pandemic, the helpline experienced an exponential increase in demand, supported by grants from the National Lottery and the Welsh government. However, this financial lifeline has now come to an end, leaving the helpline struggling to keep its doors open.
One heart-wrenching incident highlights the urgency of the situation. A family with a 13-year-old child struggling with gender dysphoria sought help, only to be turned away. Debbie Lane rightly emphasizes that “lives will be lost the longer our doors are closed to new referrals.”
Ajax Cole, a 28-year-old from Merthyr Tydfil, shares a compelling testament to the helpline’s impact. Having battled suicidal thoughts and confusion about gender and sexuality, Ajax turned to the helpline in 2014. The support received led to a remarkable transformation, and Ajax eventually received recognition as Young Person of The Year UK by Princess Anne for their volunteer work.
The LGBTQ+ Cymru Helpline remains a crucial source of support for individuals navigating their identities and mental health. It’s imperative that funding is secured promptly to ensure the continuation of this vital service, which has been instrumental in saving lives and fostering a more inclusive society. The LGBTQ+ community and its allies must rally to prevent this essential lifeline from fading away.
The helpline’s founder, Debbie Lane, aptly summarizes the situation, “They’ve helped me so much,” Ajax said. “It’s an amazing organization that Wales definitely 100% needs. It would be a shame to lose this little bit of support.” As the struggle continues, it’s clear that the battle for funding is not just about numbers; it’s a battle for lives and the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community in Wales.