Sussex LGBTU+ youth charity, Allsorts Youth Project has re-opened their inductions for new service users in need of their specialist online services.
For children and young people aged 5-25 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or unsure of their gender identity and/or sexual orientation, Allsorts has moved their youth groups, one-to-one emotional support and advocacy services online for the duration of COVID-19 lockdown and beyond.
Katie Vincent, CEO of Allsorts says, “We know that this is a very challenging time for many. Being an LGBTU+ child or young person in itself can be a very isolating experience, and we’re aware that for some, lockdown means being isolated in environments that are not necessarily friendly to LGBTU+ people. Now that our youth services, parents/carers group and inclusion training are well underway online, we are very pleased to announce that we are now able to start offering our youth services to children and young people who haven’t attended them before.”
Allsorts online services for children and young people provide non-judgemental, safe spaces to connect with other LGBTU+ young people, feel heard, valued and safe. Group spaces offer a chance to make friends, take part in games & workshops, be supported by your peers and trained & experience LGBT+ youth workers, and to be reassured that you are not alone.
One Allsorts Young Person said “I like having something to go to every week. Seeing the members of staff who are older and have been through what we have is helpful and knowing that you can get through it.“
Built on an ethos of peer support and community, Allsorts is inviting children and young people across Sussex and the Southeast who are LGBT+ or unsure of their gender identity and/or sexual orientation to get in touch if you need help and support.
It’s easy to get in touch, just email youth@allsortsyouth.org.uk and one of the friendly LGBT youth support workers will be in touch!
“Before coming to Allsorts I felt kind of lonely like there wasn’t really anyone else like me and that I was alone. Since coming here, I’ve made more friends and feel more comfortable in my own identity and how I choose to present to the public, friends, and family.”
The establishment of online services at Allsorts has been generously funded by Sussex Community Foundation.
