A CHARITY has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help the LGBTQ+ community recover from the impact of Covid-19.

Switchboard, Brighton and Hove's oldest LGBTQ+ charity, aim to raise vital funds to meet the rising demand of their services, as well as to extend and create specific and targeted support to those who need it most.

Services that Switchboard aims to fund with the crowdfunder include extending helpline opening hours, increased one-to-one support, emergency supplies for people in crisis, connecting people with LGBTQ+ befrienders, and increased advocacy in housing, health, and hate crime.

Jacob Bayliss, the charity's CEO, said: "From 2020 onward, we saw demand on our services soar, in some cases over 300 per cent.

"Our projects are supporting hundreds of people each week online, over the phone, and in person.

"Our team are providing more one-to-one support and crisis support than ever before, and with your help, we want to continue being there for the rising number of LGBTQ+ people who need us."

A survey by the charity of 600 LGBTQ+ people found that 22 per cent did not have a safe place to call home, 68 per cent were lonely or isolated, 86 per cent felt anxious or depressed, 40 per cent had turned to drugs or alcohol to manage their mental health and a third had considered suicide.

Almost a quarter (24 per cent) also said they could not access support when they needed it.

The crowdfunder coincides with the start of LGBTQ+ History Month.

Scarlett Langdon, Switchboard's communications and engagement officer, said: "Whilst we celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month this February and reflect on the progress that has been made for LGBTQ+ people, please consider investing in the future of our LGBTQ+ communities too.

"All donations made through our Crowdfunder will be doubled, thanks to match-funding, taking your donation even further. We’ve also got some amazing exclusive rewards, kindly donated by local LGBTQ+ artists."

Donations to the crowdfunder will be doubled until March 2.

People can support the fundraising campaign at bit.ly/SupportSwitchboard.

Switchboard, originally known as the Lavender Line, was first launched by four men and two women with just one telephone in April 1975.

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