Sexual Orientation Issues for Young People

The Metro Centre Youth Team can tailor training to suit your organisational needs, whether the training is for teachers, youth workers, the Youth Offending Team, Connexions staff or PA’s or any other professionals working directly or indirectly with young people.

As statistics reveal, lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) youth face particular prejudice and needs (e.g. greater risk of suicide, self-harm, eating disorders and substance misuse due to homophobia and bullying). Studies consistently show a high percentage of LGB youth (25-30%) attempt suicide. LGB youth are also at risk of being excluded or isolated in their community, school or college, or work environment and have needs that extend beyond sexuality defined projects. It is important that LGB specific projects support LGB young people in mainstream organisations, and act as a bridge for young people back into mainstream services.

The Metro Centre can provide training to equip your staff to feel more confident in working more effectively with LGB young people. Our training package can be adapted and delivered to meet the diverse needs of different professionals in their work with young people. From experience of delivering sexuality training, we have found it helpful to provide staff focus groups in order to tailor the training to suit your staff’s needs.

Overall Aim: To provide an overview of sexual orientation issues faced by young people.

Objectives:
• To explore the myths, stereotypes, and realities of LGB people and their communities
• To provide a framework for understanding a continuum of sexuality
• To explore homophobia and its impact on LGB young people
• To provide practical information on supporting LGB young people, including promoting an inclusive and supportive service and challenging homophobia
• To acknowledge that LGB young people come from various backgrounds & communities, often facing additional marginalisation because they are from a BME background

Currently we are funded to provide this training FREE to staff working in Lewisham. For training in other London Boroughs or in Greater London please call and we can discuss the costs according to your organizational needs.

For further information email Joel or call him on 020 8305 5000