Support U is here to listen.

by Articles of InterestPress Release

We know that time in social distancing and isolation can be lonely, so we have created a new dedicated phone number for those that need a friendly voice or just want to chat to someone. Regardless of your gender or sexuality identity, we are here for you. Let’s all make sure everyone is safe and not feeling alone – after all, we are all in this together.


We can’t help with prescriptions or collect your shopping but we do have volunteers available, who are more than happy to have a conversation with you.


Call this dedicated number 0800 048 9303 for a general chat.


Open Monday to Wednesday 10am to 4pm and Thursdays 10am to 8pm, our volunteers are happy to chat on a one-off basis and, where possible, we are taking requests for a regular call back whilst the social distancing rules are in place. So #letstalk.


If you wish to call about your gender identity or sexuality you can still call on our dedicated support line: 0118 321 9111.

COVID-19 update

by Articles of InterestPress Release

Support U is currently monitoring CoronaVirus, COVID19 in line with official advice. During this time, we ask that our clients do not attend Support U for their appointments if you feel you may have the symptoms outlined by the NHS England.  

We have vulnerable people that attend our service and cross contamination is a concern. We want to continue to offer our service, so that the clients we see can still have their regular contact with someone in person. Many of our clients are isolated and lonely due to their Gender and Sexuality identity, we are their only contact in the week.  If you have an appointment and feel you need to cancel because you ‘may’ have the virus, we can offer a video or telephone call in it’s place*. Our groups continue to be cancelled for the current month. 

Thanks and best wishes, Support U Management  

Link to NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Link to Government guidelines. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/covid-19-government-announces-moving-out-of-contain-phase-and-into-delay

*We can not offer video or phonecalls if you are in counselling


EDIT: Mar31. Our counsellors are now able to offer you video or phone call counselling. Please request this with your assigned counsellor.

Support U wins support from Berkshire Community Foundation

by Press Release

For immediate release

Support U is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant from Berkshire Community Foundation in order to help keep vital youth support services open to the LGBT+ community.

The grant was awarded by Berkshire Community Foundation, through a donation by the David Brownlow Charitable Foundation.

The grant totaling £14,756 is a significant contribution to the rent and operating costs of the building, which plays a key part in the on-going delivery of keeping our safe and secure space open for the youth provision and associated services.

Andrew Stonehill-Brooks, Chairman for Support U, said “We’re so pleased to have been awarded this grant by Berkshire Community Foundation, it’s these kind contributions that prevents our vital support services from closing. This grant will allow Support U to keep the doors to youth, support and counselling services open to the public.”

Last year Support U saw a increase of 1,500 cases, taking 2016’s total cases in excess of 5,000.

= Ends =

Notes to Editors

About Berkshire Community Foundation
We raise funds for, and make grants to, local charities and community groups addressing identified need across Berkshire.
We use our local knowledge to connect supporters to the groups and communities they want to help, making sure their donations are effective and bring the greatest benefit to those most in need.

Last year we gave over £900,000 to a wide range of local projects, addressing issues such as child poverty, unemployment, social isolation and homelessness.

Keep up to date with Berkshire Community Foundation via their Website, Twitter and Facebook.

About Support U Ltd
Support U is the largest LGBT+ support charity in the South East, responding to over 5,000 queries in 2016. We’re here to help support and educate individuals, schools and businesses with any LGBT+ related concerns. Visit our website at www.supportu.org.uk, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for our updates.

Marking 60 years of the Wolfenden Report

by Press Release

For immediate release

2017 marks both the 60th anniversary of the publication of the Wolfenden Report and 120 years since Oscar Wilde was released from Reading Gaol.

Thanks to National Lottery players, three groups have received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for projects to reclaim, record and celebrate the previously unexplored stories of LGBT+ heritage in Reading, Worthing and Hampshire. The projects aim to support and educate young people, particularly in LGBT+ communities, and give them them a better sense of their heritage.

Stuart McLeod, Head of HLF South East England, said: “It’s fantastic that we can support these three great projects to shine a light on parts of history that have traditionally been overlooked. Thanks to National Lottery players, these fascinating stories will be rightfully brought to the fore and preserved for future generations – an important record of the challenges and achievements of the LGBT+ community.”

The Wolfenden Report
Support U has been awarded £77,200 for a project researching and sharing the history of the 1957 Wolfenden Report on the 60th anniversary of its publication.

Chaired by Lord John Wolfenden, then vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, ‘The Report of the Committee on Homosexual Offences and Prostitution’ changed the course of LGBT+ rights in Britain and led to the decriminalisation of homosexuality ten years later in 1967.

Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will explore the events and effects of this significant moment in local and national LGBT+ heritage. Working in partnership with the University of Reading and Reading Museum, Support U’s youth group will create a documentary about the report, examining local archives and interviewing figures relating to the report.

Their research will form the basis of an exhibition and events programme with the University of Reading, as well as lesson plans, educational materials and teachers training sessions for schools in the Thames Valley.

Lynden Kingston, Chief Executive at Support U, said “We’re so pleased to be working with the Heritage Lottery Fund on this project, following the great success in our first LGBT+ project, Hidden Voices. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved, so please get in touch to be part of one of the most fascinating LGBT+ activities the area has seen in a long time.”

== Ends ==

Notes to editors

LGBT: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender.

About the Heritage Lottery Fund
Thanks to National Lottery players, we invest money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about – from the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife. www.hlf.org.uk.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #HLFsupported.

About Support U Ltd
Support U is the largest LGBT+ support charity in the South East, responding to over 5,000 queries in 2016. We’re here to help support and educate individuals, schools and businesses with any LGBT+ related concerns. Visit our website at www.supportu.org.uk, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for our updates.