Our vision is and always has been for the wellbeing of young people, the LGBT+ group are particularly vulnerable, feel they don’t belong and not fitting in to their community. We will use the money towards running a weekly drop in where they can come and be themselves, mix with others with similar issues.

Through workshops and group involvement we will raise their self-esteem, give them confidence to “be who they are”. We identified the need through our detached youth work, young people were confused about their sexuality and gender, many afraid to talk to friends, peers and often parents. They need to know they have the same opportunities and abilities as everyone else, we will organise some local intergenerational and community activities giving them the opportunity to speak out. Help them to be identified for who they are.

We can offer them weekly support in a safe environment where they can come for help, join in activities, make friends and realise they are not alone. We will offer counselling if needed, address individual issues, if we are unable to give them the advise they need then we can refer them to one of the agencies with whom we liaise.

The money will go towards room hire for the drop in as well as some refreshments.

UPDATE 7th December

Following government guidelines we have been able to re-commence our weekly drop in, this means such a lot to the young people who attend. Without the drop in they feel totally isolated and look forward to meeting up with others with similar issues, or simply being able to talk to someone without feeling “different”.

We thank all of you that have supported us to this point and hope you will share our page with your friends.  Please keep sharing and donating if you are able, we need to keep this project going as it means a lot to so many young people and their families. Thank you, thank you to those who have made a donation we are so grateful.

If you would like to donate to the Aviva Fund for the DDYP please visit https://www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/take-pride#start