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Fears for LGBTQ+ community this Christmas

Document Cited in Related
Vincent
Date21 December 2020
Published date21 December 2020
Over the weekend many parts of the country were placed in the toughest Tier 4 category and the five-day Christmas bubble was scrapped.

Now with just a one day ‘bubble’ in the UK for meeting with family and friends and nothing for tier 4 over the Christmas period many face the stark reality of being alone after it just got harder.

Research by Direct Line has shown that as a result of the pandemic and ensuing lockdowns, 38 per cent of 16-35-year olds, who identify as LGBTQ+, say they’re more nervous about going home this year than in previous ones.

Switchboard, a charity which operates a confidential helpline for LGBTQ+ communities across the UK, has this Christmas partnered with insurance company Direct Line, to ensure helplines stay open during their busiest time of the year.

With calls to Switchboard going up nearly 17 per cent YoY and up to 15 per cent MoM in December and costing on average £6 a call, the problem-solving insurer has pledged to fund the lines over the festive period to look after those in need of someone to talk to.

Switchboard Co-Chair Natasha Walker said: “Tens of thousands of people are now in lockdown once more, in situations that are difficult or complicated due to negative attitudes towards sexuality and/or gender identity. Christmas and the winter holidays can already be a lonely and isolating time for many. In addition the pandemic has kept families, friends and communities apart for many months and at this time of year people are anxious to be home with their loved ones. It’s vital that our helplines stay open for those who need someone to talk to during the winter holiday and working with Direct Line has ensured we’re able to keep them open as call numbers rise”

With calls on the rise and LGBTQ+ people more likely to feel lonely and isolated due to their sexuality, the two brands partnered with renown LGBTQ+ artist, Pegasus, to create the Lonely Human, a physical manifestation of loneliness at Christmas, adorned...

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