As Pride Month kicks off the NSPCC want youngsters to know they charity is there for them if they are having issues with their sexuality or gender.

In 2025/2026, the national charity’s Childline delivered almost 2500 counselling sessions to children and young people with issues or concerns around sexuality and gender identity.

This Pride Month, Childline is reminding young people that the service is a confidential place to turn to for help and support, whatever their concern.

More than two in five – around 43 per cent – of these counselling sessions were about coming out.

The NSPCC will once again be marching at Pride events this year as the charity's Childline continues to help and support youngsters (Picture: Submitted)

placeholder image — The NSPCC will once again be marching at Pride events this year as the charity's Childline continues to help and support youngsters (Picture: Submitted)

Many young people contacting the service regarding this issue told counsellors they were worried about their parents’ reaction, being alienated from friendship groups and having difficulties with their mental health as a result.

Other related concerns for young people included questioning sexuality or gender identity, discrimination or prejudice and experiencing gender dysphoria.

Shaun Friel, Childline director, said: “Young people face many difficulties and worries when it comes to sexuality and gender identity. At Childline, we regularly hear from those who are scared to come out; expressing anxieties about being judged by their family or alienated by a friend group that doesn’t accept them.

"We also hear from trans and nonbinary children who feel that they will never be accepted if they come out and that the world is against them. This Pride Month, we want to reassure all children that they can reach out to Childline as their authentic selves.

"Childline is here to be a confidential, and wholly accepting space, where young people can discuss their concerns and feelings freely.”

This year, the NSPCC and Lidl GB will be marching together at major Pride events, including Glasgow.

The retailer is also sponsoring the charity to have a presence at Pride for the fourth year in row, meaning it will attend 15 events up and down the country in support of LGBTQ+ young people.

Young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or via childline.org.uk, where they can speak to a trained counsellor about any concerns they may have.

The Childline website has advice and support around sexuality and gender identity for young people.