How can we support the mental health of LGBTQ+ young people?

Research has found that members of the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to experience poor mental health than those who are not part of the community, with 50% experiencing depression and 3 in 5 experiencing anxiety.

Being LGBTQ+ doesn’t mean someone will have mental health issues but may mean they’re at higher risk of experiencing poor mental health. Discrimination, homophobia or transphobia, social isolation, rejection, and difficult experiences of coming out can all impact someone’s mental health and wellbeing. This is why it’s important that we are aware of the different ways that we can support ourselves and other people in the LGBTQ+ community.

There are many ways that we can come together to tackle stigma, address discrimination and support young people who may be struggling with their identity. Take a look at the resources we have compiled below.

For young people

The Anna Freud Foundation have developed a resource to support the mental health of the LGBTQI+ community. It breaks down some important topics and gives advice around finding additional support as a member of the LGBTQI+ community.
Switchboard provides a one-stop listening service for LGBT+ people on the phone via email and Instant Messaging. You can call 0300 330 0630, between 10am-10pm daily, to speak to a trained volunteer.
The Proud Trust share a large amount of helpful information that covers a range of topics, including coming out, faith and religion, and staying safe. You can also access stories and experiences from other LGBT+ people.
Yorkshire MESMAC offer two youth groups in Bradford; BLAGY and Phoenix, for LGBTQI+ young people. These groups are a great place to talk to people who might be going through similar experiences to you.

For families, parents, carers and friends

Strong Family Alliance have created an LGBQ Parent Guide which includes information around supporting your child in their coming out journey.
Place2B have written an article around the steps that can be taken to actively help children develop positive gender identities. They have also shared a piece which explains how to help your child navigate the different stages of sexual development.

For schools

Rebecca Wilkinson-Quinn has written an article for Place2Be giving advice on creating an environment within schools where students feel valued and heard.
Stonewall offer training and resources to help make your educational setting more inclusive, by challenging bullying and celebrating diversity. Their Getting Started Toolkit for primary and secondary schools can aid in tackling homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.

Bradford District and Craven Mind are here to support you

Our children and young people’s service, Youth in Mind is here to support anyone living in Bradford District and Craven aged between 5 and 19 (or up to 25 with additional needs such as special educational needs and disabilities). Explore all the services and make a referral for yourself or someone else using the online referral form.
For additional confidential and emotional support call Guide-Line on 08001 884 884 or chat to us online.
You can also access urgent support through our Safe Spaces service.
AND you can catch us at Bradford Pride on the 8th of July!

Posted on: 29th June 2023

Ayesha’s story

Ayesha Butt is a Community Engagement Worker based at the domestic abuse and sexual violence charity, Staying Put. Ayesha shares with us a little personal history, and what led her to join the Ethnically and Culturally Diverse Communities (ECDC) programme.

Posted on: 11th December 2024