A STAGGERING 69 calls for help were received by the Samaritans from people within Grimsby's gay community struggling to cope with thoughts of suicide or self harm.

A further 558 emails, calls and visits were made to the Grimsby centre by people from the community who felt distressed.

With this in mind, a dedicated team of volunteers have opened the area's first drop-in facility.

A further 558 emails, calls and visits were made to the Grimsby centre by people from the community who felt distressed.

With this in mind, a dedicated team of volunteers have opened the area's first drop-in facility.

The Rainbow Centre, situated at 47 Pasture Street, Grimsby, aims to serve the lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender community – LGBT for short – who need advice and support.

Decorated with the community's trademark rainbow flags, the centre offers those connected with the community a safe, sociable place to sit and have a cup of tea and talk about their problems.

It also aims to tackle issues, from health and housing to hate crime.

The facility is the brainchild of Daniel Boulton, who has been working with the LGBT community in North East Lincolnshire, since November 2007.

He said: "The centre has not been open long and we already have quite a few coming through the door on a daily basis."

Read more in today's Grimsby Telegraph about what the centre does.

It is open from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. For more information, call (01472) 268440.