Welcome to Hastings & Rother Gay Helpline
(The Helpline was founded in 1987 as Hastings Befrienders)
"The fact that not everyone can have the confidence to say for whatever reason I am what I am, accept me for the person that I am, don’t expect or force me to be someone I am not is surely a condemnation of a society that regards itself as civilised."
The above quote is from Paul Broadhurst's, our chairman's, highly-praised welcome speech made at the 25th Anniversary Celebration on 28th September 2012, and can be read in full on the 25th Anniversary page.
The Helpline is completely independent and the only one in East Sussex.
Ways in which we can be contacted Please contact us by one of the following means -
By phone: We are unable to answer all calls in person, so please a message if requested to do so and we will call you back as soon as possible By email: hargh@live.co.uk By using this link for our Contact form Contact form |
How we deal with enquiries Phone calls and emails are answered by our trained, empathetic, non-judgemental volunteers. We provide information services and 'a listening ear' for LGBT people of all ages, their families and friends. When necessary, we can direct callers or enquirers by other means to the appropriate agency.
Victims of homophobic hate incidents can contact us in confidence, and we can assist with the reporting process. Please see the Hate Incident Reporting page. |
A New Service provided by the Department for Work & Pensions
From 11th April 2022 there is a Single Bereavement Service phone line number - 0800 151 2012. Customers calling the number can be supported with all of the following:
• Reporting a death
• Provide further information regarding a death that has already been reported
• Find out what help is available following a bereavement
• Enquire about, make, or maintain a claim to Bereavement Benefit, Bereavement Support Payments and Funeral Expense Payments
• Reporting a death
• Provide further information regarding a death that has already been reported
• Find out what help is available following a bereavement
• Enquire about, make, or maintain a claim to Bereavement Benefit, Bereavement Support Payments and Funeral Expense Payments
Government Help With Paying Bus Fares - January to March
Single journeys capped at £2* - Starts 1st January 2023 until 31st March 2023
With the cost of living being a hot topic, now’s the time to travel for less than £2*! It’s true. You can take a single journey and never pay more than £2*. If your current ticket is less than £2, don’t worry it’ll stay the same price!
The Bus Fare Cap Grant scheme is a Government funded scheme being introduced on most single (including Child and Student) bus journeys across England from 1st January 2023 until 31st March 2023.
Buy your £2 single ticket on the Stagecoach Bus App or on the bus using cash, contactless or Apple/Google Pay. It’s that simple!
Where can I use the £2 fare?The scheme is available in England only, including any area where you can get a Stagecoach bus, except London. However, there are some exclusions depending on the bus route you may be using. Most local bus routes are included. Plus, if your journey starts in England, you’ll also be able to travel for a maximum of £2 on cross-border services into Scotland and Wales. Some dedicated school services, and services that only run on school days, are also excluded. You can find full details of any routes not included in your local service updates.
Go to the Stagecoach Bus App
Advice from East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
Save Safely
With winter rain and chills sweeping in and people starting to think about different ways to save money, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has launched a new safety drive - Save Safely.
The Service has gathered together a few ideas which you might want to consider. Not only could these save you a few pennies, they will help reduce the chances of a fire which in itself can be expensive, disruptive and distressing.
- Switch off at night! If you're asleep you are much less likely to spot a small problem (smoke coming from a socket) before it becomes a fire. Before you go to bed, or go out, check the living room, the kitchen, home office, your bedroom and so on and switch off! You can save energy this way too!
- Close doors. It's amazing how much heat can disappear out the door, and by keeping doors shut, you also reduce the chance of fires spreading from room to room.
- Check out the support available. Did you know the Service can also help with free advice, specialist safety equipment and even smoke alarms?