Category: Test Flyers

Tap on the headings below to see group locations and times.

Tap on the headings below to see group locations and times.

It is important to make sure that you get all the help that you are entitled to. If you wish to appeal a decision about your entitlement to benefits, for example Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit, we can help you.

We have a specialist team dedicated to helping you with your welfare benefit appeal up to and including an Upper Tribunal. The team also deals with welfare benefit complaints and complex benefit cases.

If you do need specialist welfare benefits advice and representation, you can be referred to the PALS project by our General Advice Team.

The benefits appeals advice service is delivered via the PALS project (Project Advice Liverpool and Sefton). Funded by a local benefactor, the Project is delivered by Citizens Advice Liverpool and Citizens Advice Sefton.

 

Pension Wise is a free and impartial government service about the different ways you can take money from your pension.

Pension Wise can help you if you:

• have a UK based defined contribution pension (not a final salary or career average pension)
• are aged 50 or over

Book an appointment on the Pension Wise Website

Call Pension Wise on 0800 138 3944

LGBTQ+ hate incidents and hate crimes are acts of violence or hostility based on a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

We can help you make a report to the police, understand your rights, liaise with organisations on your behalf, and help you to access specialist support services such as counselling.

We will represent you so that your voice is heard.

We can also make referrals to other services within Citizens Advice Liverpool who will provide practical advice on housing, debt, benefits, employment and more. And we can help you access social support, such as activities and groups, in your area.

If you would like to find out more, we can help you get advice.

For more information:

• Learn more about hate crime here.
• Visit Hate crime advice online
• Call our support worker on 0151 522 1400 ext 5006
• Email us at: LGBTHateCrime@caliverpool.org.uk

You can also contact one of our partner agencies:

 

Universal Credit is a benefit you can claim if you are of working age and on a low income or unemployed.

It might be worth claiming Universal Credit if you are struggling to pay the bills, have recently lost your job, have a disability/are too ill to work, or you are caring for someone.

Our Help to Claim team can support you in the early stages of your Universal Credit claim, from the application through to your first payment.

This includes:

• checking if Universal Credit is the right benefit to claim (and its impact on other benefits)
• assistance with completing the claim
• checking the impact of immigration status on your claim
• advising on support available while you wait for your first payment
• helping you to prepare for Jobcentre appointments
• checking your first payment is correct
• advice on how to challenge incorrect first payments.

Our advice is free, confidential and impartial

The information below is aimed at those who arrived in the UK before 31 December 2020 – and their close family members.

A new Immigration system came into place in the UK on 1 January 2021.

If you came to the UK after this date, and are not sure what this means for you, then give us a call.

• For further information visit: EUSS information online
• Call our EUSS team on 0151 522 1400 ext 5002
• Email us at: EUSS@caliverpool.org.uk

If you are from the EU, EEA* or Switzerland, you and your family might be able to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK.

The deadline for most people to apply for pre-settled or settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme was 30 June 2021.

You may still be able to apply if you are in one of these situations:

• you started living in the UK by 31 December 2020 and you need to make a late application;
• your family member has pre-settled or settled status and you wish to join them in the UK.

We would encourage you to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme as soon as possible. Contact us now to begin the application process to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Frequently asked questions

I need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme: what support can you give me?

Our support team can help you complete your application to the EU Settlement Scheme. We will be able to help you with the following:

• submit a late application (e.g. if you couldn’t apply on time for practical or ‘compassionate’ reasons)
• submit an application for close family members living outside of the UK (if you have settled or pre-settled status)
• find and upload residence evidence for your application

I’ve received my status confirmation – can you still help me?

Yes, we can help you upgrade your settlement status from pre-settled to settled. We can also show you how to view and prove your status, e.g. to employers, landlords and educators.

Why should I apply to the EU Settlement Scheme?

Having ‘pre-settled status’ or ‘settled status’ under the EU Settlement Scheme will mean that you have a right to:

• stay in the UK
• work
• study
• claim benefits – including the State Pension
• use the NHS
• open a bank account
• rent a home

* The EEA includes EU countries and Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Check which countries are in the EU and EEA (opens in a new window)

Whether you need information about understanding your bill, switching your provider, or making your home more energy efficient – we can advise you.

Our Energy Advice team is dedicated to helping to combat fuel poverty in Liverpool, providing one-to-one advice and support to people experiencing difficulties with their energy costs.

Energy bills have surged during lockdown as people continue to work from home, homeschool and self-isolate.

If you have a more serious problem, such as high or incorrect bills, and need advice on challenging your energy provider, then we can help. We can also help you access the Priority Services Register, a scheme that offers extra assistance and services to certain groups of people.

For more information visit our Energy Advice pages.

We advised more than 3,500 people in Liverpool with debt issues last year.

Debt and money worries can strike anyone at any time. Dealing with money issues can sometimes be off-putting and you may feel a bit anxious about seeking help.

Citizens Advice Liverpool will give you the information you need to make the right choices for debt problems – to give you peace of mind once more.

Our friendly, specialist team can advise you on a range of debt and money matters, including:

• Checking liability for debts
• Arranging a “Breathing Space” hold on creditor actions
• Insolvency solutions, including Bankruptcy, Individual Voluntary Arrangement and Debt Relief Order
• Debt Management Plans and informal offers to creditors
• Priority debt issues, including mortgage arrears, rent arrears, council tax arrears, energy arrears, hire purchase arrears and magistrates court fines
• Dealing with county court forms and process
• Write off of debts in certain circumstances
• Charitable support
• Budgeting and maximising income.

We will always be happy to chat with you, no matter how big or small your concerns. All advice given will be tailored to your individual needs.

Get Advice today for free, confidential and impartial money advice.

Citizens Advice Liverpool is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for money and debt advice. Our Money Advice team members are accredited to standards set by the Money and Pensions Service.

It is a treatment option that helps patients work towards debt reduction, financial stability, better housing and employment conditions, and reduced social isolation. It also provides a wellbeing service that aims to combat loneliness and isolation in our community.

We give a helping hand to patients whose circumstances make them vulnerable to mental distress.

This includes patients with:

• long-term health problems or disabilities 
• people who are living with a diagnosis of cancer 
• people with acute respiratory conditions
• parents of young children who are struggling to make ends meet
• people who are unemployed or in low paid jobs 
• those who care for others but need support themselves

By providing this service we are able to reduce the number of patients presenting with problems that can be solved with practical support.

The service is made up of two linked but distinct parts:

• Enhanced Citizens Advice Support, providing practical (anti-poverty) support to vulnerable patients on matters such as welfare benefits, debt and housing, and employment. See video (above right) for more information.  
• The Wellbeing Link Worker Service, a pathway to health-enhancing activities and community services, including confidence-building, training, volunteering and access to employment opportunities. Find out more about this service

Our link workers meet with patients, and together, they create a personalised wellbeing plan – a plan that works for the individual. Patients are then linked to activities and services in their communities – services that reduce isolation and support them to lead their best lives.

We also offer support to the following priority health areas:

• Mental health
• Respiratory conditions 
• Cancer support 
• Perinatal support 

Find out more about how we can help patients with these priority conditions

The most common causes of heart failure are:

• a heart attack– which can cause long-term damage to your heart, affecting how well the heart can pump.
• high blood pressure – putting strain on the heart, which over time can lead to heart failure.
• cardiomyopathy – a disease of the heart muscle. There are different types which can either be inherited or caused by other things, such as viral infections or pregnancy.

Heart failure can also be caused by:

• heart valve disease
• abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• congenital heart conditions – heart problems that you’re born with
• endocarditis – a viral infection affecting the heart muscle
• some cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy
• excessive alcohol consumption
• anaemia – a lack of oxygen carrying haemoglobin or red blood cells in your blood
• thyroid gland disease.

The most common symptoms of heart failure are:

• Breathlessness – this may occur after activity or at rest; it may be worse when you’re lying down, and you may wake up at night needing to catch your breath
• Fatigue – you may feel tired most of the time and find exercise exhausting
• Swollen ankles and legs – this is caused by a build-up of fluid (oedema); it may be better in the morning and get worse later in the day

Less common symptoms

Other symptoms of heart failure can include:

• a persistent cough, which may be worse at night
• wheezing
• a bloated tummy
• loss of appetite
• weight gain or weight loss
• confusion
• dizziness and fainting
• a fast heart rate
• a pounding, fluttering or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)

Some people with heart failure may also experience feelings of depression and anxiety.

Videos

If your blood test shows you might have heart failure, your GP should consider referring you to a specialist heart failure team and you may be offered further tests.

Tests for heart failure

Tests you may have to diagnose heart failure include:

• blood tests (NT-proBNP) – to check whether there’s anything in your blood that might indicate heart failure or another illness
• an electrocardiogram (ECG) – this records the electrical activity of your heart to check for problems
• an echocardiogram – a type of ultrasound scan where sound waves are used to examine your heart
• breathing tests – you may be asked to blow into a tube to check whether a lung problem is contributing to your breathlessness; common tests include spirometry and a peak flow test
• a chest X-ray – to check whether your heart’s bigger than it should be, whether there’s fluid in your lungs (a sign of heart failure), or whether a lung condition could be causing your symptoms

You can read more about tests for heart conditions on the British Heart Foundation website.

Stages of heart failure

When you’re diagnosed with heart failure, your doctor will usually be able to tell you what stage it is.

The stage describes how severe your heart failure is.

It’s usually given as a class from 1 to 4, with 1 being the least severe and 4 being the most severe:

• class 1 – you don’t have any symptoms during normal physical activity
• class 2 – you’re comfortable at rest, but normal physical activity triggers symptoms
• class 3 – you’re comfortable at rest, but minor physical activity triggers symptoms
• class 4 – you’re unable to carry out any physical activity without discomfort and may have symptoms even when resting

Knowing the stage of your heart failure will help your doctors decide which treatments they think are best for you.

Useful videos

Choose from the medications below to find out more details:

Can I improve my heart failure naturally?

If your doctor prescribes you medication it’s important to take it. But making changes to your lifestyle is also going to have a big impact on improving your health.

Changes may include:

• weighing yourself regularly and entering your weight into the Aintree Heart Failure Passport – sudden weight gain may mean too much fluid is building up in your body
• watching the amount of fluid you have each day 
• managing stress and mood monitoring in the Aintree Heart Failure Passport app
• controlling your blood pressure 
• stopping smoking
• limiting how much alcohol you drink or stopping altogether safely if advised to do so by your clinician
• keeping active (and taking part in rehabilitation if advised to do so) – this can help improve your energy, stamina and fitness
• keeping to a healthy weight, which will help to prevent your heart from working too hard.

Diet changes are also essential when managing your weight and keeping your heart healthy.

You could feel healthier by eating:

• one or two portions of fruit or veg with every meal
• sunflower oil, olive oil, nuts and avocados instead of saturated fat options like crisps and butter
• one or two portions of beans or pulses everyday with a meal
• your protein in the form of fish, eggs and lean meats
• less salt and sugar.

Useful videos:

Medication

Video designed by Dr Sankaranarayanan (Consultant Cardiologist) for the Aintree Heart Failure Passport Mobile APP (Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)

Other treaments

Video designed by Dr Sankaranarayanan (Consultant Cardiologist) for the Aintree Heart Failure Passport Mobile APP (Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)

Cardiac rehabilitation

Video designed by Dr Sankaranarayanan (Consultant Cardiologist) for the Aintree Heart Failure Passport Mobile APP (Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)

What is a pacemaker

From the Health and Care Video Library, the UK’s largest collection of health and care videos

Living with a pacemaker

From the Health and Care Video Library, the UK’s largest collection of health and care videos

Risks and benefits of a pacemaker

From the Health and Care Video Library, the UK’s largest collection of health and care videos

What is an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

From the Health and Care Video Library, the UK’s largest collection of health and care videos

Living with an ICD

From the Health and Care Video Library, the UK’s largest collection of health and care videos

Risks and benefits of an ICD

From the Health and Care Video Library, the UK’s largest collection of health and care videos

Local Support

National Support

Useful Videos

Tap on the videos below to learn more about Heart Failure. You can find more videos about heart problems in the Health and Care Videos Library

Local support

National support

Useful videos

Tap on the videos below to learn more about Heart Failure. You can find more videos about heart problems in the Health and Care Videos Library

Women can catch STIs such as herpes, genital warts and chlamydia when exchanging bodily fluids.

Any one-on-one contact, such as oral sex or using the same hand when touching yourself and then your partner, can put you at risk. If 2 women are both menstruating they are at a higher risk, too.

Tips for safer sex between women

If you’re using sex toys, use a new condom for each partner or between penetration of different body openings. Sex toys should be washed with soap and water between sessions. Find out more about cleaning sex toys.

Avoid oral sex if either of you has any cuts or sores in the mouth or on the lips, or use a dental dam. A dental dam is a latex or polyurethane (very thin, soft plastic) square, of about 15cm by 15cm, which you can use to cover the anus or female genitals during oral sex. It acts as a barrier to help prevent sexually transmitted infections passing from one person to another.

Some infections can be transmitted by hands, fingers and mutual vulval rubbing. Wash your hands before and after sex.

Wear latex gloves and use plenty of water-based lubricant for vaginal and anal fisting.

Tips for bisexual women on safer sex with men

If you have vaginal, anal or oral sex with a man, use a condom. When used correctly, condoms protect against unintended pregnancy and STIs. In addition to using condoms, find out about the form of contraception that suits you best.

If you think you could be at risk of unintended pregnancy, you have the option of using emergency contraception (the “morning after” pill or an IUD).

The emergency pill is available from some pharmacies, GPs, contraception (family planning) clinics and some sexual health clinics. The IUD is available from contraception clinics, some sexual health clinics and some GPs.

Symptoms of STIs in women

Genital herpes

This is caused by a virus, which can spread if you have vaginal, anal or oral sex, or share sex toys. It can also cause cold sores on the mouth and nose.

Symptoms include painful blisters and ulcers around the genital area, although some women may have no symptoms.

Antiviral tablets can help the healing process. Read more about genital herpes.

Genital warts

These are fleshy growths in the vulval and anal region. They may be itchy, but are usually painless. They are caused by certain strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV), which are usually sexually acquired through skin contact, such as rubbing vulvas together.

Women with genital warts do not need more regular smear tests than those without them. There are a variety of treatment options, including freezing and medicated creams. Read more about genital warts.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis can be passed between women during any sexual activity that involves the exchange of vaginal fluid.

Symptoms include a frothy discharge, pain when peeing, vulval soreness, and sometimes an unpleasant vaginal odour. Some women do not have any symptoms. It is treated with antibiotics.

Read more about trichomoniasis.

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea

These STIs are caused by bacteria, which can infect the cervix, rectum, throat and urethra. There may be a discharge, but usually there are no symptoms.

If the conditions are not treated, the bacteria may lead to an infection in the fallopian tubes and infertility.

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can be passed between women through shared sex toys, hands, and by rubbing vulvas together. Treatment is with antibiotics.

Read more about chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that causes a painless ulcer, usually in the genital area. It will disappear on its own, but other symptoms may appear. These can include a rash on the body and swollen glands.

If it is not treated, syphilis can cause serious nerve and body organ damage later in life.

In its early stages, syphilis is extremely infectious and can be passed on by close skin contact during sex. Treatment is with antibiotic injections or tablets.

Read more about syphilis.

Keeping your vagina healthy

The vagina is self-cleansing, so there’s no need to wash inside it (douching). Vaginal soreness and vulval irritation can be caused by overuse of perfumed soaps, bubble baths and shower gels.

After going to the toilet, always wipe from front to back (from vagina to anus).

Read about how to keep your vagina clean.

When to see a doctor about sexual health

If you have any of the symptoms above or are worried you may have an STI, speak to your GP or visit an STI clinic.

Getting tested regularly is a good idea to ensure you have a healthy sex life. NHS services are free.

Using sexual health clinics during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Call a sexual health clinic if you need help or advice. Only go to a clinic if you’ve been told to.

Find sexual health clinic contact details

Using a condom helps protect against HIV and lowers the risk of getting many other STIs.

A survey of gay and bisexual men by Stonewall revealed that 1 in 3 men had never had an HIV test, and 1 in 4 had never been tested for any STI.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) should have a check-up at least every 6 months at a sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. This is important, as some STIs do not cause any symptoms.

Using sexual health clinics during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Call a sexual health clinic if you need help or advice. Only go to a clinic if you’ve been told to.

Find sexual health clinic contact details

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver infection that’s spread by a virus in poo.

The infection is usually spread in contaminated food or drink, or by poor hand-washing. However you can also get hepatitis A through sex, including oral-anal sex (“rimming”) and giving oral sex after anal sex. MSM with multiple partners are particularly at risk.

Symptoms of hepatitis A can appear up to 8 weeks after sex and include tiredness and feeling sick (nausea).

Hepatitis A is not usually life-threatening and most people make a full recovery within a couple of months.

MSM can avoid getting hepatitis A by:

• washing hands after sex (bottom, groin and penis too by taking a shower, if you can)
• changing condoms between anal and oral sex
• using a barrier (such as a condom cut into a square) for rimming
• using latex or non-latex gloves for fingering or fisting
• not sharing sex toys
• asking about the hepatitis A vaccine at a sexual health or GUM clinic

If you think you might have hepatitis A, or have any questions, visit a sexual health or GUM clinic. The hepatitis A vaccine is available for people travelling to countries where the disease is common. Find out more about travel vaccinations.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. It does not usually cause obvious symptoms and may pass in a few months without treatment. However in some cases the infection can persist and cause serious liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis B is spread through contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. MSM are at risk of hepatitis B but they can be protected by the hepatitis B vaccination.

Vaccination for MSM is available from sexual health clinics, genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics or from GPs.

Read more about hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. It often does not cause any obvious symptoms at first, but it can lead to serious liver disease if left untreated.

It is spread through contact with the blood of an infected person. Men who are concerned they are at risk should consult their doctor or sexual health clinic.

Hepatitis C can be treated and is curable in many cases. Find your local hepatitis C support service.

Read more about hepatitis C.

Gonorrhoea

This bacterial infection causes stinging when you pee, or the feeling that you want to pee but are unable to. It’s passed on through anal, oral or vaginal sex with an infected person.

Gonorrhoea is treated with antibiotics.

Read more about gonorrhoea.

Non-specific urethritis (NSU)

This is inflammation of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body) caused by bacteria. It is also called non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) when the condition is not caused by gonorrhoea.

NSU is passed on in the same way as gonorrhoea and often has similar symptoms. It can also be caused by having lots of sex or masturbating a lot, which can make the urethra inflamed.

It can be treated with antibiotics.

Chlamydia

This is a bacterial infection of the urethra or bottom (rectum). It can also affect the throat, but this is less common. Chlamydia may cause a discharge, pain when you pee, or pain in the testicles. However, not everyone has symptoms.

It can be passed on during sex with an infected person in the same way as gonorrhoea. It’s treated with antibiotics.

Read more about chlamydia.

Shigella

This is a bacterial infection of the intestine that causes severe diarrhoea and stomach cramps. It is often mistaken for food poisoning.

It can be passed on during sex, including anal-oral sex (“rimming”) and giving oral sex after anal sex. It is spread very easily – all it takes is a tiny amount of infected poo getting into your mouth.

A person with shigella can be infectious for up to a month. It can be treated with antibiotics. Men who suspect they have shigella should visit a sexual health clinic or their GP to get tested.

Men can avoid getting shigella by washing their hands after sex (bottom, groin and penis too by taking a shower, if you can), and changing condoms between anal and oral sex.

Using latex or non-latex gloves for fingering or fisting offers protection. And do not share sex toys or douching equipment.

You’ll find more information on shigella in this leaflet.

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is a viral infection. Symptoms can include painful blisters and ulcers on or around the penis or bottom (anus), although some men have no symptoms.

The virus stays in the body and can cause outbreaks of blisters.

Genital herpes can be passed on through oral sex with someone who has a cold sore around or in their mouth, or by skin-to-skin genital contact with someone who has genital herpes.

Antiviral tablets and creams from a GP or sexual health clinic can help the symptoms.

Read more about genital herpes.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that causes a painless ulcer, usually in the genital area. The ulcer will disappear on its own but other symptoms may appear, such as a rash on the body and swollen glands.

In its early stages, syphilis is very infectious and can be passed on by close skin contact during sex. If you do not treat it, the infection can eventually spread to the brain or other parts of the body and cause serious, long-term problems.

Treatment is with antibiotic injections or tablets.

Read more about syphilis.

Genital warts

This is a common viral infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It appears a few weeks or months after sex with an infected person. It can cause pinhead-size growths, mostly on or around the head of the penis but also in and around the bottom (anus).

The sooner warts are treated, the easier they are to manage. You cannot treat genital warts with the same type of cream you use for warts on other parts of your body. A doctor will freeze them or prescribe a cream to remove them.

You can reduce your risk of getting genital warts by getting the HPV vaccine.

MSM up to and including the age of 45 become eligible for free HPV vaccination on the NHS when they visit a sexual health or HIV clinic in England.

Ask the doctor or nurse at the clinic for more details.

Find out more about HPV vaccination for MSM.

Read more about genital warts.

Pubic lice

Public lice (also known as “crabs”) are small, parasitic insects that live in body hair.

They are very small (only 2mm), so they can be difficult to see, although their tiny dark eggs can be seen stuck to hair.

Pubic lice prefer the pubic hair around your testicles and bottom but may also be found in body hair. They are not found on your scalp.

The lice are spread through close bodily contact with an infected person. They can also be spread by sharing clothes, towels or bedding, but this is rare. Symptoms include itching or a rash.

Treatment can be done at home with lotions or creams bought from a pharmacy (no prescription is needed).

Read more about pubic lice.

Scabies

This is an infection caused by tiny mites that burrow under the skin. It causes intense itching for most people (though some hardly notice it).

Itching usually starts 2 or more weeks after sex with an infected person. You can also get scabies from sharing beds and towels, but this is less common.

Treatment is similar to treating pubic lice, although you may continue to itch for a few weeks after the mites have been removed.

Read more about scabies.

Get tested

If you have any of the symptoms above or are worried you may have an STI, speak to your GP or visit a sexual health or GUM clinic.

Getting tested regularly is a good way to ensure you have a healthy sex life. NHS services are free.

This may be linked to LGBT people’s experience of discrimination, homophobia or transphobia, bullying, social isolation, or rejection because of their sexuality.

Other things, such as their age, religion, where they live, and their ethnicity can add extra complications to an already difficult situation.

How talking therapy can help

It might not be easy, but getting help with issues you’re struggling to deal with on your own is one of the most important things you can do.

Talking with a therapist who’s trained to work with LGBT people may help with issues such as:

• difficulty accepting your sexual orientation
• coping with other people’s reactions to your sexuality
• feeling your body does not reflect your true gender (gender dysphoria)
• transitioning
• low self-esteem
• self-harm
• suicidal thoughts
• depression
• coping with bullying and discrimination
• anger, isolation or rejection from family, friends or your community
• fear of violence

Read about different types of talking therapy and how they can help.

When to get help

Do not suffer in silence. You should get help as soon as you feel you need it. It’s never too late to get help, no matter how big or small your problems might seem.

You could benefit from a talking therapy if you:

• feel tired or lack energy
• feel tearful
• shut yourself away from people
• no longer want to do things you used to enjoy
• use alcohol or drugs to help you cope with your feelings
• harm yourself or have thoughts about self-harming
• think about suicide

If you’re struggling to cope right now, contact Samaritans:

• call 116 123 (open 24 hours, every day)
• email jo@samaritans.org

Samaritans offers a safe place for you to talk about whatever’s on your mind, at any time.

Where to get help

Speak to a GP

Consider talking to a GP. They’ll know what help is available locally and can help you decide which treatment is best for you.

When discussing your situation, try to be as honest as possible with the GP so they can suggest the best type of support for you.

Support organisations

These organisations offer mental health advice, support and services for LGBT people.

Gendered Intelligence
The organisation runs youth groups in London, Leeds and Bristol for trans, non-binary and questioning young people. It also runs a peer-led support group in London for people aged 18 to 30.

Imaan

Imaan is a charity that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) Muslims, providing an online forum where people can share experiences and ask for help.

Consortium

This membership organisation work to support LGBT+ organisations and projects around the country. Use the site’s Member’s Directory to find local mental health services.

LGBT Foundation

The LGBT Foundation
on offers information, advice, and support services, including a Talking Therapies Programme to LGBT people.

London Friend

London Friend offers support groups and services, such as counselling and drug and alcohol support, to LGBT people in and around London.

Mind LGBTQ

Get information about mental health support for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, non-binary, queer or questioning (LGBTIQ).

Pink Therapy

Pink Therapy has an online directory of therapists who work with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer or questioning (LGBTIQ), and people who are gender- and sexual-diverse (GSD).

Stonewall
Find LGBT mental health services near you using Stonewall’s “What’s in my area?” search box.

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
Switchboard provides a listening service for LGBT+ people over the phone, via email and online chat. It can provide you with contact details of an LGBT-friendly therapist.

If you are a child or young person in crisis, you can call the crisis care line 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0151 293 3577 but you should only present to Accident Emergency Department if you need medical treatment or are struggling to keep yourself safe in the immediate moment.

GYRO is a collection of youth groups (separated by age) for young people who identify themselves as: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Trans*, or who are Questioning their sexuality or gender identity (LGBTQ+) We also have a sibling group ‘THE* (Trans* Health Education) Action Youth’ which specifically supports young people around gender identity.

The group provides age-specific weekly (afternoon/evening) drop-ins, where young people can attend to socialise, meet other like-minded people, take part in informal group activities and receive 1-1 support.

Do you work with other family members?

In most cases young people self-refer, and some do so without the knowledge of their family or carers as they may not be open about being LGBTQ+. We occasionally have contact with parents or carers with the young persons consent, or in an emergency, we will say we are calling from YPAS so as not to put a young person at further risk by ‘outing’ them. Sometimes a parent/carer needs some advice and staff will do their best to assist.

Do you have appointments outside working hours?

Yes, 1-1 appointments can be made with anyone who would like to know more about the service and /or would like to engage with the groups.

There is also the possibility to work 1 to 1 with a young person with the Information, Advice and Guidance (LGBTQ+) worker on practical support around coming out or reaching a goal or exploring terminology. This service may be more suitable for young people who find it difficult to engage in groups or have a specific need they want to meet.

Where do you see young people?

The GYRO drop-in groups take place at YPAS’ Liverpool city-centre location:
36 Bolton Street, L3 5LX (It’s between the Adelphi Hotel and Lime Street station)

Do you take referrals directly from children/young people, parents/carers?

Yes – YPAS takes self-referrals, which means making your own referral direct to YPAS.

A young person can just turn up to the appropriate group when it is open, no referral required.

If 1:1 support is needed a referral can be put in via YPAS clinical admin or electronically via http://www.ypas.org.uk/make-a-referral/ and a referral can be made by a parent/carer/professional/ appropriate adult. Consent must be obtained from the young person to have the referral made

What kinds of things do you help with?

We offer information, advice and guidance (1:1 support) on a range of issues relevant to LGBTQ+ young people in particular, including coming out, bullying, sexual and emotional concerns, mental health and well-being, trans specific issues. If additional support is required e.g. counselling, we will refer them within YPAS or onto other organisations. GYRO also operates as a safe social space for young LGBTQ+ people to be themselves without fear of persecution. The groups are alcohol and drug-free and always have experienced staff working on them.

GYRO also offers fun activities such as drama, music, games, art, creating zines etc. They also take part in Liverpool Pride each year and attend other external LGBTQ+ youth activities around the country.

If more specific support around gender is needed we have experienced and knowledgeable staff who run a group THE* (Trans* Health Education) Action Youth on a Wednesday afternoon. They can also offer 1 to 1 Information, Advice and Guidance regarding gender identity issues such as accessing appropriate health care.

What will happen at the first appointment?

For gyro drop-in: Most young people self-refer by attending the drop-in. When they access they will receive an induction including some paperwork and an explanation of how the group works and what it can offer. They will be asked if there are any particular issues they may want support with and if they are receiving any support elsewhere.

If the appointment is for IAG: The worker will have to do an initial assessment which may take up to 1.5 hours. This will involve collecting some personal information and finding out how the staff member and young person can work together to achieve some goals.

What will happen after that?

Young people will be informed about the drop-in opening times and planned activities they may take part in.

For IAG: future appointments may be made to continue working on goals on a 1-1 basis.

With this in mind, we have:

• Worked with healthcare providers to ensure they understand the concerns that LGBT people may have
• Conducted a survey to find out your views and concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines
• Held an online Q&A event with Dr Michael Brady and Dr Luke Wookey on the 12 March, hosted by Reeta Loi

Our survey showed lots of support and enthusiasm for the vaccination. However, we are aware that some LGBT people may have concerns and we want to address those so that you can receive the vaccination confidently and safely.

Here are the main questions identified in our survey:

Will the vaccination interact with my hormone replacement treatment (HRT)?
If you are trans and are on HRT, there is no scientific reason to suggest that the vaccination could interact in any way with your HRT medication. There is also no reason to suggest it could impact on your hormone levels.

Will the vaccination interact with my HIV medication such as ART?
There is no scientific reason to suggest that the vaccination could interact in any way with your HIV medication. If you are living with HIV, it’s encouraged that you get a COVID-19 vaccination. There is no evidence that the vaccine will interact with ART, PrEP or PEP.

For clinical guidance relating to HIV medication and the COVID-19 vaccination, go to page 16 of the government’s Green Book:

Click here for up to date information and advice about HIV and COVID-19 from British HIV Association (BHIVA)

Will the vaccination interact with my PrEP or PEP medication?
There is no scientific reason to suggest that the COVID-19 vaccines could interact in any way with PrEP.

It’s encouraged that you have a vaccination when it is offered to you, and continue to take PrEP in the same way that you normally do, and PEP if you need it.

If you have any further questions about the vaccination, please contact your GP who should be able to answer these. If you do not have a GP, and would like support to find an LGBT-inclusive GP, please contact our Pride in Practice team at pip@lgbt.foundation

If you want to speak to someone about how you’re feeling about COVID-19, including the vaccines, you can call our helpline on 0345 3 30 30 30 from 9am-9am on weekdays and 10am-6pm on weekends.

Our Hate crime support worker provides individuals with tailored support after experiencing an LGBTQ+ hate crime, (a hate crime in relation to their sexual orientation or gender identity) and can make referrals to other CAL services to provide practical advice in areas such as housing, debt, benefits and employment. The specialised LGBTQ+ hate crime worker can also provide information to help individuals access social support, such as activities or groups in their area.

Citizens Advice Liverpool provide support for victims of LGBTQ+ Hate Crime/Incidents across Merseyside.

We can offer advice on practical issues; such as housing, debt, benefits and employment and provide social support; exploring your interests to find activities and groups in your area to build on your social support network.

We can help you to make a report to the police if you wish, understand your rights, liaise with organisations on your behalf, and help you to access specialist support services such as counselling.

Every victim responds differently to acts of hate, some people prefer to deal with issues by themselves and others will seek out support.

We want to help you feel safe, empowered, better able to cope with everyday life and ultimately take steps towards improving your health and wellbeing. If we can help you do that then please get in touch.

lgbthatecrime@caliverpool.org.uk
or 0151 522 1400 ext 5006

Victim Care Merseyside is a package of support put in place by Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell, designed to make sure victims of crime get the right support to help them cope and recover. Take a look at this short video to find out more.

If you have been a victim of a hate crime because of your race, religion or disability please get in touch and we can refer you to our partners at Anthony Walker Foundation or DAISY UK for a specialist support.

How can I report a Hate Crime or Incident?

Stop Hate UK offer a confidential 24/7 Hate Crime reporting service around the UK. You can report whether you are a victim of Hate Crime, you have witnessed an incident that you believe to be a Hate Crime or you are a third party to an incident that could be a Hate Crime – you can even report anonymously if you wish.

Call Stop Hate UK on 0800 138 1625 or report online here www.stophateuk.org/talk/

Report anonymously through Crimestoppers

You can also report a hate crime through your neighbourhood police team by calling 101

In an emergency always contact 999

All local Citizens Advice offices across Merseyside act as Third Party Reporting centres, to help you report any incidents of hate or abuse.

For race and religion related hate crime, contact:

Anthony Walker Foundation
info@anthonywalkerfoundation.com
0151 237 3974
You can also report a hate crime to one of our partner agencies.

For disability related hate crime, contact:

Daisy Inclusive UK
Phone: 0151 261 0309

What are hate incidents and hate crimes?

Hate incidents and hate crimes are acts of violence or hostility directed at people because of who they are or who someone thinks they are. For example, you may have been verbally abused by someone in the street because you’re disabled or someone thought you were gay.

The police and Crown Prosecution Service have agreed a common definition of hate incidents. They say something is a hate incident if the victim or anyone else thinks it was motivated by hostility or prejudice based on one of the following things:

• disability
• race
• religion
• transgender identity
• sexual orientation.

This means that if you believe something is a hate incident it should be recorded as such by the person you are reporting it too. All police forces record hate incidents based on these five personal characteristics.

Anyone can be the victim of a hate incident. For example, you may have been targeted because someone thought you were gay even though you’re not, or because you have a disabled child.

When a hate incident becomes a criminal offence, it’s known as a hate crime.

What is an LGBTQ+ Hate Crime or Incident?

If someone has been violent or hostile towards you because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, this is known as a homophobic or transphobic hate incident. Hate incidents can happen anywhere. Sometimes you may know the person who attacked you, but often hate incidents are carried out by strangers.

There are no specific homophobic or transphobic hate crimes, any criminal offence can be a hate crime if the offender targeted you because of their prejudice or hostility against LGBTQ+ people.

Homophobic and transphobic hate incidents can take many forms including:

• verbal and physical abuse
• physical violence
• unwanted sexual contact
• teasing
• bullying
• threatening behaviour
• online abuse
• damage to property

It can be a one-off incident or part of an ongoing campaign of harassment or intimidation. Hate incidents are not only carried out by strangers. It could be carried out by a carer, a neighbour, a teacher or someone you consider a friend.

For further information please click here

Eating a balanced diet as well as being active will also help you to maintain a healthy eight. This is really important for your lung health as being overweight can make your breathing more difficult, making it harder for you to be active

Ways to improve your diet:

• Try to replace snacks with fruit and add vegetables to meals where possible. Aim to eat 5 portions a day.
• Choose low fat dairy products, but be careful as these can be high in sugars
• Try to replace eating red meat with more lean meats, including skinless chicken, turkey and fish. You can also have red meat with fat trimmed off, which is healthier
• Choose wholegrain carbohydrates where possible including wholemeal bread, rice and pasta
• Try to lower your salt intake by not adding salt at the table and reducing the amount you add to food when cooking so that you have no more than one teaspoon of salt a day
• Try to drink water regularly throughout the day. Remember that many drinks have sugar in them even when it says ‘no added sugar’
• Try to avoid sugar and sugary foods.

You should also try and keep an eye on the amount of alcohol you drink.

Guidelines are now the same for men and women. Both are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week.

It’s important that you don’t save up your units and have these all in one drinking session. Its best to spread this evenly across the week and have regular drink free days.

Liverpool services that can help:

Knowsley services that can help:

Not only does it make your lungs feel stronger and help deliver oxygen better throughout your body, it can also help reduce your risk of long-term lung conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Being active can help you control your weight also which can affect your lung function.

Increasing your activity levels can:

• give you more energy
• lower high blood pressure
• strengthen the muscles you use to breathe
• strengthen your heart and improve circulation
• reduce the risk of conditions like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer
• reduce your risk of falling by improving your strength and balance
• reduce stress levels and help to reduce anxiety and depression

Even if you feel unfit and often get breathless when being active now, it is all about finding what is right for you to begin with. Small amounts of activity such as taking the dog for a walk and gardening can still have a huge impact.

All you need to do is find the right level of physical activity for you to feel the positive effects throughout your life.

How active should I be?

For adults we recommend that you are physically active for 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) a week. You can break this down into:

150 minutes a week may seem too much if you are not used to being active. Just try your best to be as active as possible and slowly build this up at a steady pace.

You can slow down the damage that smoking causes to your lungs and ease your symptoms.

Becoming smokefree is not easy, but there are lots of local services available to offer the right support that will help you to quit smoking, this time for good.

Even if you have not been successful before, it’s important that you saw the need to try.

Remember, each quit attempt is a step further towards becoming smokefree.

What support is right for you?

There are many support options available with different choices working better for different people.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Nicotine replacement therapy (also know as ‘NRT’), comes in all shapes and sizes and helps to reduce symptoms so you can give up smoking easily.

You can get patches, gum, nose and mouth sprays, all of which release nicotine into your bloodstream without you needing to smoke.

Other local support options include:

Common symptoms you can look out for:

If you are worried about any of the symptoms above, see your GP as soon as possible.

How can health and wellbeing apps help you and your loved ones live more healthily?

Health apps offer easy, engaging, and accessible ways to help you better manage your goals. For instance, apps have the power to support fitness plans, provide advice about diet, connect you with health and care professionals to discuss and manage your health and wellbeing, and help you to better stick to personalised plans. Studies also suggest that evidence-based digital health tools can complement existing treatment plans you may have been given by your health or care professional. With the recent impact of COVID-19 on the delivery of face-to-face care, apps may be able to offer additional support in light of reduced accessibility to in-person healthy living services.

But apps don’t just provide opportunities to support your physical wellbeing. A big part of keeping your body healthy is also looking after your mental wellbeing. Just as physical health conditions can have an impact on your mental health, so too can mental health conditions or poor mental wellbeing affect being able to take care of your physical health. Apps can provide support with improving mental wellbeing and managing mental health conditions which, in turn, can improve your physical wellbeing and ability to live a healthy life. To find tested, safe apps to help with healthy living – such as apps for fitness, healthy eating, weight management, or mental wellbeing – visit your local Digital Health Library and start searching for apps today at https://liverpool.orcha.co.uk, or click on any of the example apps below:

• Running: Couch 2 5k
• Walking: Active 10 Walking Tracker
• Smoking Cessation: Smoke Free
• Calorie Counting: MyFitnessPal
• Relaxation/Sleep: Simple Habit

With mounting evidence that mental health problems have become even more common since the pandemic, the UK government has developed a Mental Health and Wellbeing Recovery Action plan to help people with their mental health.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Recovery Action Plan explains that digital mental health support can provide greater control and options for round the clock advice or tools. Initially, an app can help you access advice when you need it, and as time goes by can support you whilst you’re on a waiting list, becoming an early support system or safety net. Later, after a therapist has been seen, apps can reinforce strategies and track information. Apps can also help you to self-manage your mental health in your home environment.

As there are so many mental health apps available, it can be difficult to know which are safe to use. ORCHA, a leading digital health assessment organisation, has tested hundreds of mental health apps so that it’s easy for you to find safe apps.

To find safe apps for mental health, visit our local Digital Health Library at liverpool.orcha.co.uk

Can apps help you stop smoking?

So, unsurprisingly, quitting smoking not only adds years to your life, but also greatly reduces your chances of developing smoking-related diseases.

If you are trying to stop smoking, there are small lifestyle changes you can make to help you quit, such as changing daily habits, identifying when you crave cigarettes, and seeking out advice and support. Digital technologies, such as apps, can help with changing behaviour in order to quit smoking.

Apps to help you stop smoking include features such as being able to log your cravings and get tips for managing them, motivational tips and advice, setting your own goals for quitting, monitoring the differences that quitting is having on your health and lifestyle, and much more.

To start searching for safe, tested apps to help with stopping smoking, visit our local Digital Health Library at liverpool.orcha.co.uk.