Rainbow Neighbours is a volunteer-led service for LGBTQ+ people in Brighton & Hove who are experiencing isolation, bereavement, dementia, memory loss, or other forms of vulnerability.

The service connects LGBTQ+ people with trained volunteers who offer regular social contact, emotional support, and a stronger sense of community belonging.

Rainbow Neighbours is grounded in dignity, respect and trauma-informed practice. We recognise that LGBTQ+ people may have different life stories, family structures, identities, relationships, and experiences of support. Every match is shaped around the person’s needs, preferences, identity, and what helps them feel safe and supported.

Rainbow Neighbours provides one-to-one, relationship-based support through:

Regular visits
Friendly check-ins at home or in the community.

Social connection
Conversation, shared activities and companionship to help people feel more connected.

Emotional support
A listening ear during difficult times, including bereavement, life changes, or periods of uncertainty.

Dementia-inclusive support
Volunteers trained to work sensitively with people living with dementia, memory loss, or changes in cognitive health.

Safe, trauma-informed practice
Volunteers who understand the impact of discrimination, stigma, identity-based harm, and past experiences of exclusion.

Pathways into further help
Support to connect with Switchboard’s wider services and trusted partners when needed.

Many LGBTQ+ people experience barriers to connection and support. This can include reduced family support, bereavement without traditional networks, difficulty accessing mainstream services, stigma, discrimination, minority stress, or feeling disconnected from community.

For older LGBTQ+ people, people living with dementia or memory loss, and people going through grief or major life changes, these challenges can feel even harder.

Rainbow Neighbours exists because everyone deserves connection, safety and community, especially people who may have spent years navigating systems that were not built with them in mind.

Rainbow Neighbours is for LGBTQ+ people in Brighton & Hove who:

  • are feeling isolated, disconnected, or would benefit from more regular social contact
  • are living with dementia, memory loss, or changes in cognitive health
  • are experiencing bereavement or major life changes
  • have limited support networks or rely on chosen family
  • would like regular contact from a trained volunteer
  • want to build confidence, connection, or community

You do not need a diagnosis, referral, or formal support plan to get in touch. The service is free and confidential.

If you would like to talk about support for yourself or someone you know, you can contact the team directly.

We will arrange a friendly first conversation to understand what you are looking for and explore whether Rainbow Neighbours is the right fit.

Main Contact

Ben Howard

He/Him
Operations, BOLD and Gambling Harms Manager
ben.howard@switchboard.org.uk

Jan Shoosmith

She/Her
Administration
jan.shoosmith@switchboard.org.uk