Free Infoline to serve gay and lesbian community
Stonewall has launched a freephone number to respond to questions callers have around gay, lesbian and bisexual issues. The new service, supported by the Big Lottery Fund, responds to a huge growth in demand for gay-specific advice and information about the status of lesbian and gay people.
Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive, said: ‘Stonewall has successfully lobbied for major legal changes in recent years that benefit and protect lesbian and gay people in so many ways. This means the rights we enjoy today are very new and people often want to clarify where they stand. Further expanding our info service is part of Stonewall’s commitment to educate people around the new legal status of Britain’s 3.6 million gay people.’
Information Officer Helen Ward, who runs the service, added: ‘We can also point people in the right direction for legal advice, and give out facts and guidance on all issues affecting lesbian and gay life – from civil partnerships and parenting to housing and health as well as everything in between. In addition, we’ll be able to refer callers to hundreds of other specialist and regional organisations who can help too.’
In 2007, Stonewall received more than 5,000 telephone enquiries and its website www.stonewall.org.uk had 1.2 million visitors. Both figures represent a fourfold increase since 2002. The call line – 08000 50 20 20 – operates Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5.30pm.
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