Switchboard: Listen Up! Report 2023

Switchboard, the national LGBTQIA+ support line, has published its annual “Listen Up! Report,” celebrating its 50-year history and providing key insights into the LGBTQIA+ community based on nearly 15,000 conversations in 2023.

Since its founding in 1974, Switchboard has served as a vital resource, offering a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals to explore topics ranging from sexuality, gender identity, mental health, relationships and beyond. With over 4 million conversations facilitated by dedicated volunteers over the last five decades, Switchboard continues to provide empathetic support and essential information. Their latest Listen Up! Report delves into the latest insights and data about the topics that matter most to the people reaching out to them.

Key Highlights from the 2023 Report:

• Increased Outreach: In 2023, Switchboard handled nearly 15,000 conversations—a 13% increase from the previous year—thanks in part to enhanced volunteer recruitment.
• Expanded Services: The relaunch of the email support service and a new freephone number have made accessing support easier.
• Mental Health: Mental health was mentioned in 25% of all conversations, highlighting ongoing struggles within the LGBTQIA+ community. 32% of mental health conversations involved individuals aged 24 and under and 18% were from trans, non-binary, gender-questioning or gender-non-conforming service users (when we know their age and gender).
• Gender Identity: 25% of conversations mentioned gender, including questions about accessing gender-affirming care, experiences of transphobia, understanding different gender identities and more. 46% of all service users to Switchboard identified as having a gender different from the one they were assigned at birth (when we know their gender).
• Age and Location: 77% of service users were from outside of London (based on 21% of service users who disclosed their location) and 36% were 24 and under (based on 30% of service users who disclosed their age).

Switchboard launched this report in early July, giving insights into the current needs and challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, and sharing these with other organisations across the LGBTQIA+ charity and media landscape, enabling these organisations to continue to tailor their support services more effectively and address the needs shared by LGBTQIA+ people across the UK.

For more information and interview requests

Allison Montgomery

Head of Communications and Fundraising

allison.montgomery@switchboard.lgbt

020 3398 9579

About Switchboard

Switchboard is the national LGBTQIA+ support line. For 50 years, their volunteers, who all identify as LGBTQIA+, have been available to discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity; whether it’s sexual health, relationships or just the way you’re feeling. Switchboard’s support line is completely free, and available wherever you feel most comfortable – whether that’s on the phone, via chat or email. 10am-10pm every single day.

Phone 0800 0119 100

Chat: switchboard.lgbt

Email: hello@switchboard.lgbt

To stay up to date with Switchboard you can head to their website, or follow them on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

If you would like to support their work, you can donate to Switchboard here.