Providing advice, guidance and support to anyone who identifies as LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender), the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard is soon to celebrate its 41st birthday. Promising a bigger, shinier and more fabulous event than the last, this year's Re-Launch Gala will be held at the Waldorf Hilton on 25th June 2015. I caught up with one of the members of the LLGS to talk about what the switchboard does, the myriad ways in which it can provide support and how people can volunteer to get involved:

What is the aim of the LLGS Switchboard?

The aim of the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard is to provide an information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans* people and anyone who needs to consider issues around sexuality. Our values ensure that our services promote a positive attitude to being lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans* and are - confidential, welcoming, supportive and non-judgmental.

LLGS stands for 'London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard'. Is it suitable for people who identify as Bisexual and Transgendered as well?

On 25th June we will be hosting our Re-Launch Gala at The Waldorf Hilton.  Part of the re-launch is to truly reflect what the charity does, and make it clear that we are here for everyone within the LGBT*+ communities and that we are very much a national organisation.

What type of issues are you experienced in dealing with?

We take all manner of calls, such as supporting a man who has been the victim of homophobic abuse, supporting a lesbian teenager thrown out of her home by her parents and providing the telephone number for a gay painter. As the LGBT*+ communities have developed over the years, so too have we, changing our services to fit the needs of our callers.

More than fifteen thousand people use Switchboard's services every year to talk about subjects including coming out, bullying, and sexual health.  Helpline volunteers are trained to listen, signpost people to specialist services, and to support them to make informed decisions for themselves.

Tell us more about #SwitchboardSelfie. What is it and how do people participate?

On the 1st June we launched our #SwitchboardSelfie campaign to help spread awareness about the charity and the work that we do.  We are asking people to Tweet, Facebook or Instagram a picture of themselves with the international phone sign and #SwitchboardSelfie.

We have also teamed up with YouTuber Calum McSwiggan who is uploading a new collaboration video every day this month featuring members of the LGBT*+ communities and straight allies.  Once uploaded the latest videos can be viewed through our countdown website http://www.switchboardselfie.lgbt/

It would be great if people could get involved by taking selfies, adding #SwitchboardSelfie and a link to the website. For example: "Showing my support for @switchboardLGBT by sharing my #SwitchboardSelfie More info switchboardselfie.lgbt [Selfie]"

Our target is 10,000 selfies by 25th June when we will host our Re-Launch Party at The Waldorf Hilton.

How can people get in touch with you? Does it have to be over the phone or can people chat with you over email?

People can call us on 0300 330 0630 during our hours 10am to 11pm but we are also available to contact by email chris@llgs.org.uk and through our instant messaging service via our website www.llgs.org.uk.

If you find someone you're comfortable chatting with over the phone, is it possible to request the same person if you call back again?

We have about 160 trained telephone volunteers who all work different shifts at different times, so it is unlikely you'll get to speak to the same person twice.  All our volunteers go through an extensive training process so you can be assured that each one has the skills to listen and provide support to each caller.

Is all communication confidential and anonymous?

As I mentioned earlier, one of our core values is confidentiality and it is something that we take very seriously. No identifying information is asked for when you contact Switchboard and all contact is completely anonymous.

Is there a way for people to volunteer if they'd like to help out?

Absolutely, we are always looking for new volunteers!  You can apply to volunteer for the Switchboard by going to the 'Volunteering With Us' section of the website and completing the online application form.

Do you have any advice or recommendations for people looking for LGBT* groups to join in their local area?

The best thing to do is to get in contact with someone at Switchboard on the phone, by email or by instant messaging, then we can find out exactly what they are looking for and point them in the right direction.

Any other sites that people might find helpful when looking for support and guidance?

On our website www.llgs.org.uk we list a number of useful links to a variety of different organisations where people can look for support and guidance, but if anyone is unsure then they can contact Switchboard and we can signpost them there and then.

To purchase tickets for the Re-launch Gala at The Waldorf, please click here: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/london-lesbian-gay-switchboard-re-launch-gala-tickets-16724960808