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LGBT Youth Scotland

Digital support

Do you ever feel like you would like a bit more support but aren't sure where to turn? Talking about what is going on can make a difference.

We have lots of ways that you can get in touch online and get support from youth workers. Wherever you are in Scotland, whatever your worry or concern, we are here to listen.

The LiveChat feature of our website is a easy way to chat with trained youth workers in real-time about whatever is on your mind. It's text-based: you don't need to speak over voice or video and can remain anonymous.

From questioning your sexual identity, coming out and relationship issues to bullying and sexual health – this is a private place designed for you to chat, confidentially, with a digital youth worker.

Sessions run at the following times:

Monday: 4pm to 6pm
Tuesday: 4pm to 8pm
Wednesday 4pm to 8pm
Thursday: 4pm to 8pm

If you would like to chat online but aren't free during the LiveChat times - let us know and we might be able to open it for you.

If LiveChat isn't open you can send us a message by emailing info@lgbtyouth.org.uk or clicking "Send Message" in the bottom right corner - just make sure to type your email address in carefully or we'll not be able to get back to you.

Frequently asked questions

Who am I chatting to?

You will be chatting to a Digital Youth Worker from LGBT Youth Scotland.

What is a Digital Youth Worker?

Our Digital Youth Workers are fully trained staff and volunteers who provide support to young people on the Live chat and through emails (sent to info@lgbtyouth.org.uk).

Is everything confidential?

Yes! Confidentiality at LGBT Youth Scotland means not telling anyone else what you have said unless it is necessary to share information for your protection or the protection of another young person. Chats with LGBT Youth Scotland Digital Youth Workers are confidential, which means that you can feel safe talking to us, knowing that no one else will find out.

If you tell us something that makes us very worried for your safety, or that you may be in danger, then we will chat to you about whether other people need to know. Only in exceptional circumstances we might need to break this confidentiality if we believe that you or another young person is in immediate danger.

Do you keep records of our conversation?

Each time we have a chat with someone we keep a note of the conversation which is kept in a secure location. This is for a few reasons, the main one being that if you let us know that you have spoken to us on LiveChat before we can read through the last conversation so we don't have to start from the beginning again each time we chat. By taking part in chats you are agreeing to us saving this information. We promise to keep this information safe and not share it with anyone unless someone really needs to know in exceptional circumstances. We will destroy our records after 2 years.

How do I log in to the LiveChat?

Our chat runs three times per week at specific times. The times are advertised here.
When LiveChat sessions are running, the pop-up box in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen will say Chat now.
To begin a conversation with us click Chat Now and then enter your first message - you can start the conversation with a question, a topic or just say "Hi". We are here to chat about whatever is on your mind.
A box will then pop up asking for you to type your name. If you would rather not use your real name, that’s okay but it would be helpful to use the same name if you log on again.
When we finish chatting you can give us feedback by rating the chat!
When the chat service is closed the pop-up in the bottom corner will say "send a message" you can send us a message instead and we will get back to you as soon as we can (usually within 3 days of you messaging us). Make sure you enter your email address correctly or we won't be able to respond!

Who do I contact if I have a complaint or concern with the service?

We take all complaints or concerns about our work seriously. You can contact the Digital Youth Work Manager, Paula Manners, by emailing us here or by ringing the Edinburgh office on 0131 555 39 40.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any concerns.