Huge spike in referrals to Manchester LGBT+ youth charity
The Proud Trust says it's in light of last year's Supreme Court ruling
The Proud Trust has launched its latest campaign, #DeserveBetter, in response to a significant surge in referrals following last year's Supreme Court ruling on the definition of 'sex' in the Equality Act.
Read more: Guidance finally published in wake of landmark Supreme Court gender ruling
Since then, the charity say it has seen referrals to its services increase by 171%.
The charity, which aims to raise awareness about the challenges LGBTQ+ young people face, is now calling for greater understanding, safer spaces and better support.
'There are so many role models for people to look up to'
Over the past 12 months, the organisation has conducted nearly 400 youth group sessions and held over 820 support conversations with LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as parents and professionals.
Whilst The Proud Place in Manchester welcomed almost 10,000 visitors, and its specialist inclusion training reached over 1,400 professionals.
Liam Swanston, from the charity, has been speaking about the new campaign with Hits Radio Pride: "This campaign, #DeserveBetter, is around inviting people to help us build a better space, and highlighting how there are so many role models out there for people to look up to.
"We're seeing a lot of young people, and the adults in their lives, looking to proactively get them support, because we know how, as a community, we are challenged disproportionately by mental health issues, and isolation is a massive part of that.
"A lot of people who come through the doors are seeking connection - they feel extremely isolated, and don't feel that they belong.
"If you don't feel those things, you tend to be less likely to access healthcare and education.
"That's why we're the custodians of The Proud Place in the heart of Manchester, to help with that, along with our Live Chat service, youth groups, and training for those who work with young people to make sure their practices are more inclusive for those who we serve.
"Young people need to know that they're not on their own, there is someone in their corner, and us amplifying their voice in spaces they're not always heard is exactly what our work is all about."
'The increase in referrals isn't just a statistic'
Through the #DeserveBetter initiative, the charity will address issues such as bullying, discrimination, healthcare, education, employment barriers, family acceptance, identity, belonging, and access to safe spaces.
The campaign is also featuring powerful personal narratives from LGBTQ+ individuals sharing their experiences publicly for the first time, whilst spoken word artist myndstate has written a special poem for the campaign's launch.
Director of Development and Partnerships, Liam Swanston, emphasised the importance of the campaign.
He said: “A 171% increase in referrals isn't just a statistic, behind every referral is a young person looking for somewhere they feel safe, someone who understands what they're going through, or simply reassurance that they're not alone.
“Every day we work alongside LGBTQ+ young people who are navigating bullying, discrimination, isolation and uncertainty while also trying to understand who they are and where they belong. We also work with adults who want to better understand and support the young people in their lives. No young person should grow up believing they have to hide who they are, face those experiences alone, or feel there's no place where they truly belong.
“#DeserveBetter is about ensuring those young people's voices are heard. This campaign shines a spotlight on the realities many LGBTQ+ young people continue to face today, while celebrating the extraordinary difference that acceptance, visibility, community and support can make. We hope it encourages greater understanding, challenges misconceptions and reminds every LGBTQ+ young person that they deserve to feel safe, valued, understood and able to thrive, every single day of the year.”
You can find out more about The Proud Trust here.