London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard reveal they take over 160 calls a month about coming out.
The figures were released as the charity welcomed Olympian Tom Daley’s announcement that he is now in a relationship with a man.
So far in 2013, over 1800 callers have contacted the volunteer run phone line about coming out.
Callers raise issues seeking support over how to tell their family and friends, sexual health advice as well as raising issues around anxiety and depression, while other callers are looking to share their excitement and joy around the next chapter in their life.
A Switchboard spokesman, said: “Coming out can be both an anxious and exciting time for our callers. Callers of all ages can find the prospect of coming out a confusing and lonely time. Tom Daley is 19, the age group from which we receive the most calls about coming out. London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard are here to offer information and calm words when they need them most.”
The London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard is celebrating 40 years of voluntary service in 2014.
The volunteer staffed charity provides free and confidential support and information to lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgendered communities throughout the UK between 10am and 11pm, 7 days a week, including instant messaging.
Key statistics:
• So far in 2013 the London and Lesbian Gay Switchboard have taken 1,803 calls about coming out.
• On average, the support line takes 163 coming out calls per month.
• 28% of calls received about coming out are from from 16-24 year olds, the most frequent group.
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