LGBT+ & Mental Health

Advice and Information - 24 February 2017

LGBT+ people are more likely to experience mental ill health than the wider population.
Image of LGBT flag

More Information

Around 40 per cent of LGBT+ people experience a mental health issue, compared to 25 per cent of the wider population.

However, LGBT+ people are often overlooked when health commissioning decisions are made because of a lack of data and poor consultation. 

Generic mental health services are not meeting the current needs of LGBT+ people. 

Without specialist support LGBT+ people will continue to experience mental health inequality, stigma and discrimination.

Future Plans

The London Assembly Health Committee has published its findings and recommendations to the Mayor of London so that he can provide better mental health support for LGBT+ people.

Among the recommendations made are:

  • Mainstream services – not just mental health services – must be better equipped to support LGBT+ people to maintain good mental health.
  • LGBT+ people need to be more directly involved in shaping services that meet their needs.
  • Hospital staff and GP surgeries, including frontline staff should be more LGBT+ friendly with improved equality and diversity training.
  • In developing mental health services the Mayor and the London Health Board should ensure that the specific mental health needs of LGBT+ people are explicitly set out.

To find out more or to read the report visit the Mayor of London's website.

You might also be interested in

Men sitting on chairs around a circle in a group setting, having a discussion

Men's Mental Health Awareness Month

Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, held each November, aims to highlight the unique mental health struggles men face and encourage open conversations about mental health. While many men experience anxiety, depression, and stress, societal pressures can make it difficult for them to seek help, often resulting in silence and isolation.
News
Image

Dementia Support for Wandsworth

Help raise awareness of Dementia and find out what support is available for people in Wandsworth.
Advice and Information
hands together holding a yellow ribbon

World Suicide Prevention Day: accessing support

Every year on September 10th, World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), a day dedicated to raising awareness about suicide, promoting mental health, and encouraging action to prevent one of the leading causes of death globally is marked. Suicide claims approximately 700,000 lives annually, with many more individuals attempting suicide. The day, initiated by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), encourages a global conversation around mental health, the importance of early intervention, and the need for supportive communities.
Blog