For twenty-three years the Reading Lesbian & Gay Helpline has helped local people with information, support and advice. Hundreds of people contact the Helpline each year, often they have had no one else to talk to about their difficult issues.

In 2001 the organisation agreed that it needed to expand its range of services, and offer more to the local community in the form of diverse information, more face-to-face contact and social/interest based activities. As such a new name was needed to reflect the growth, and beYOU was created.

The beYOU message is simple, ‘be yourself’, it doesn’t matter what your sexual preference is, your race, your age, you should be able to feel comfortable about who you are. beYOU is committed to supporting you to develop a healthy sexual identity and lifestyle

who uses our services?
Anyone and everyone! of any age, ethnic group, or walk of life. However, we are mainly contacted by lesbians and gay men, people who are unsure of their sexuality or want support in coming out and parents and friends of lesbians and gay men.

where are they from?
Anywhere! but mainly from Reading, Berkshire, the Thames Valley and neighbouring counties.

who works for beYOU?
beYOU volunteers are carefully chosen because they are receptive and understanding. All volunteers who staff the Helpline and the beHERE drop-in sessions are lesbian and gay. Volunteers come from all walks of life and are carefully trained and supervised.