Clearchem are committed to providing equitable pharmacy services. A part of this endeavour, we have worked with LGBT Foundation’s Pride in Practice programme to improve our knowledge andconfidence in supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people who may be accessing ourservices. In January 2020, Clearchem Limited pharmacies in Liverpool and Stockport were accredited a GOLD Pride in Practice award and we are proud to be delivering excellence in LGBT healthare.

Support for LGBT People

Research reports that LGBT people experience poorer health inequalities compared to the general population (Stonewall, 2018) and are less likely to feel supported when accessing healthcare services (GEO, 2018). As a result, primary care services have a responsibility to make sure that they are aware of the specific health needs of LGBT people and tailor services, consultation and signposting to best meet patient’s needs.

In addition to the confidential consultations we offer, there are a variety of organisations and online support-services available. Some of these include:

LGBT Foundation

National charity delivering advice, support and information services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities.

The website includes a variety of resources and the helpline can be accessed internationally

Website: www.lgbt.foundation

Telephone: 0345 3 30 30 30

Email: info@lgbt.foundation

Additional support guides are available at:

How to be a Trans Ally

You’ve Got a Friend (mental health support for lesbian & bisexual women)

Mermaids

A charity and advocacy organization that supports gender diverse and transgender youth in the United Kingdom.

Website: www.mermaidsuk.org.uk

Email: info@mermaidsuk.org.uk

Telephone: 0808 801 0400: Mon-Fri, 9am –9pm

The Proud Trust

The Proud Trust supports young people aged 11-25 years youth groups, peer support, managing the LGBT Centre for Manchester, delivering of training and events and campaigns.

Website: www.theproudtrust.org

Telephone: 0161 660 3347

SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery runs mutual support meetings to help with the recovery of any kind of compulsive or addictive behaviours. They have SMART for LGBT groups available. More information can be found

at www.lgbt.foundation/drugsandalcohol

Stonewall

Online information and support for LGBT communities and their allies including information on coming out, criminal law, discrimination, hate crimes, advice on Asylum, parenting rights and partnership rights.

Website: www.stonewall.org.uk

FFLAG (Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)

FFLAG support parents and their lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans children

Website: www.fflag.org.uk

Friday/Monday

In association with Terrence Higgins Trust, Friday/Monday provides information about sex and drugs (e.g chemex) with a particular focus in supporting gay and bisexual men.

Website: www.fridaymonday.org.uk

Telephone: 0808 802 1221

Galop

Galop provides confidential and independent advice and support for LGBT people who have experienced hate crime, sexual violence, domestic abuse, have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system.

Website: www.galop.org.uk

Telephone: 0800 999 5428

Email: help@galop.org.uk

I Want PrEP Now

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a HIV preventative medication. I Want PrEP Now raises awareness of PrEP, its benefits and how to purchase and access PrEP.

Website: www.iwantprepnow.com

Telephone: 0808 802 1221

Email: Iwantprepnow.co.uk@gmail.com

Additional information about PrEP can be found at https://ght.org.uk/pep and https://lgbt.foundation/prep

LGBTQ+ People and Substance Abuse Statistics and Resources - https://www.alternativetomeds.com/blog/lgbtq-substance-abuse-statistics-and-resources/

COVID19 and Youth Substance Use: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7682947/

Why the Risk of Substance Use Disorders Is Higher for LGBTQ People - https://www.healthline.com/health/why-is-substance-abuse-worse-in-lgbtq-community