FFLAG – Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays

FFLAG is a voluntary organisation dedicated to supporting families and their LGBT+ loved ones. The national charity was formed about 30 years ago, creating an umbrella organisation for helplines and local support groups all over the UK, run by and for parents who help each other support their LGBT+ children.

Research published in 2021 by the charity Just Like Us Growing Up LGBT+ reveals that 55% of LGBT+ young people worry about their mental health daily and 25% are experiencing daily tensions at home. We know that family support is one of the biggest indicators of positive outcomes and improved mental health for LGBT+ young people, so we encourage their mission to help families provide that support.

FFLAG offers peer support to families via their helpline, email and local parents’ groups. Whilst most parents want to accept and support their LGBT+ child, families can find it difficult when their child first comes out. If a parent contacts FFLAG, they will be speaking to another parent. They can alleviate their concerns and signpost support seekers to useful information and services.