A new LGBT+ help service, the first of its kind in the country, is set to break barriers when it launches this week. The digital support service, called Proud Connections, has been created in response to a steep rise in requests for support to local charities during the pandemic.
Proud Connections is being piloted in Manchester, Greater Manchester and other areas of the North West this week, ahead of being rolled out nationwide later in the year.
Manchester-based charity, The Proud Trust, the UK’s largest charity for LGBT+ young people, has seen a peak in demand for its services during each of the UK’s lockdowns, especially among those in rural areas or who struggle to access community groups nearby. It reports that 54% of young people said their mental health worsened during lockdown.
These figures have been the driving force behind the launch of Proud Connections, the UK’s first digital service for LGBT+ young people and the adults who support them, which can be found at www.theproudtrust.org/proud-connections/
Proud Connections is a first port of call for young people (ages 13+), from where they can be signposted to further services such as youth groups or mentoring projects if needed. It is packed full of information on all aspects of LGBT+ lives and identities, including coming out, exploring identity, staying safe and faith and religion. It also has an online chat function available on Tuesday and Thursday for young people wanting to speak with a trained youth worker.
The hub also includes resources and information for trusted adults looking for advice on how to support an LGBT+ young person as they explore their identity. This could be anybody – from a parent, carer or grandparent to teacher, youth group leader, hairdresser or employer.
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.
“In rural areas, travel restrictions have also increased feelings of isolation, with many being unable to see and interact with people they would usually turn to for support in difficult 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.”
