Stonewall launches brand new Info Service
Free Infoline to serve gay and lesbian community
Stonewall has launched a freephone number - 08000 50 20 20 - 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 you 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.
'So whatever you need to know,' said Helen Ward, 'just call 08000 50 20 20 and we'll point you in the right direction.'
08000 50 20 20 operates Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5.30pm. You can also contact Stonewall's Info Service at info@stonewall.org.uk
Contact: Gary Nunn, Communications Officer, 020 7593 1856. For high-res versions of images attached, contact Alex Long 020 7593 1873.
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Notes
1. Stonewall is the gay equality charity founded in 1989. www.stonewall.org.uk.
2. Callers are also invited to use freephone 08000 50 20 20 for details of local lesbian and gay services and support groups in their area, historical facts, topical issues, research and details of how to get more involved with Stonewall's work.
3. Service providers are invited to use the Infoline for advice around improving services for lesbian, gay and bisexual service users.
4. The Infoline complements existing services such as local switchboards, Stonewall Housing and the UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group which advise callers on specific lesbian, gay and bisexual issues. Such services can expect to receive increased referrals as a result.
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