The First National LGBTI Helpline was launched in North Macedonia to help LGBT Ipersons  to overcome the challenges they face and provide information and support to their needs. The National LGBTI Helpline is first of its kind and it is a big step forward in supporting LGBTI persons in North Macedonia.  It is also open for their families, friends and also professionals from schools and  social centers that are having contacts with LGBT persons or young who are feeling confused regarding their sexual orientation or gender identity.

This  Helpline was made possible through the small grants support of anti-discrimination activities during COVID-19 in the framework of the EU and Council of Europe joint Action “Promotion of Diversity and Equality in North Macedonia” and is implemented by our NGO partner Subversive Front with the support of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. LGBTI persons, family members, friends can call the number 075 24 11 24 and seek help, support, counselling or simply ask questions related to LGBTI issues and topics. These may include disclosing sexual orientation or gender identity, relationship challenges, depressive mood, anxiety, bullying, domestic violence, workplace harassment, discrimination, positive HIV status, safe sex, suicidal thoughts, etc. can be discussed with and addressed to the Helpline operators.

The Helpline operators are professionals (psychologists, social care workers, psychotherapists) who provide safe environment for the persons reaching out to the Helpline. The operators have completed training in working with LGBTI and providing support, help and counselling through the telephone. The confidentiality of the calls and the conversations is guaranteed.

The working hours of the Helpline are:

Monday: 16:00 – 20:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 14:00
Wednesday: 16:00 – 20:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 14:00
Friday: 16:00 – 20:00

 

Outside the above working hours, the requests for support can be submitted via SMS, Viber or the Facebook page of the Helpline.