Manchester charity launches LGBT+ digital help service for young people
It's the first of its kind in the country
A new LGBT+ digital help service has launched in response to a steep rise in requests for support from charities due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Backed by Manchester charity The Proud Trust, Proud Connections is currently being piloted just in the North West, but it is hoped that if successful the scheme will be launched across the UK.
The Proud Trust have seen a huge rise in demand for their support, reporting that 54% of young people said their mental health worsened during lockdown.
Proud Connections will serve as a first point of call for young people, where they will be able to access further services. It will also provide resources for adults looking for advice on how to support an LGBT+ young person.
The first service of its kind in the country, Proud Connections will host information on all aspects of LGBT+ life including coming out, exploring identity, staying safe and religion.
It will also offer an online chat function for young people who wish to speak to a trained youth worker.
Ashley Hind, Proud Connections manager, said, “Overall, we have seen many more enquiries for our services than we would usually, reflecting how difficult the pandemic has been for people from all walks of life, and our own research has highlighted some worrying mental health statistics.
“For some young people who identify as LGBT+ the pandemic has been particularly tough, amplifying the issues they experience in their everyday lives and removing any support networks or safe space where they can truly be themselves. It could be that they are living with a person or people who do not accept their identity or who are LGBT+phobic. Some may have experienced online bullying, and others have sadly reported to us that they have been locked down in dangerous or abusive situations.
“Going forward, we recognise that young people need to be able to access our services remotely wherever possible, therefore we are piloting this service in the North West of England with a view to it being rolled out nationwide so that the Proud Trust can help even more young people.”