Gloucester charity, Young Gloucestershire (YG), has announced the launch of a new project aimed at supporting young people around gender diversity. The Arcus youth work project, set to begin in August, has been partly funded by the Dr. Martens Foundation and aims to provide holistic wellbeing and developmental support for young people who identify as gender diverse or are questioning their gender identity.
The project will focus on addressing the unique needs of gender-diverse young people by providing them with the necessary resources and skills to manage their wellbeing and navigate their identities confidently. A dedicated youth worker will work closely with each individual, offering personalized action plans and goal-setting to address their specific needs and challenges.
Research conducted by the University of Cambridge for Stonewall has highlighted the significant challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth, including high rates of bullying, mental health issues, and a lack of supportive adults in their lives. The Arcus project aims to tackle these issues by providing a safe and supportive environment for young people to explore their identities, build connections, and develop resilience.
Group sessions will also be included in the project to promote a sense of community and belonging among participants. Young Gloucestershire will work closely with educational institutions, community organizations, and healthcare providers to ensure that young people are supported in all areas of their lives. The project will also provide training to schools and other community stakeholders to promote inclusivity and understanding of gender diversity.
Funding for the project has been secured through a grant from the Dr. Martens Foundation, with support from the St James Place Foundation and a private donation. This project is the latest from Young Gloucestershire, aimed at addressing emerging needs and trends among young people by providing both youth work and family support.
Ione Sime, Senior Manager for New Projects and Development, expressed her excitement for the project, stating, “This is something we’ve been wanting to launch for a long time. Research shows that young people exploring their gender identity need support without judgment. Through our youth work program, we can ensure that young people feel seen, heard, and supported during what is likely to be a challenging period in their lives.”
She added, “This project presents an opportunity to provide direct support to young people on this journey and to help educate and inform the sector on an evolving and important issue that over 3% of Gloucestershire’s school population is facing.”
Young people can access support from the Arcus project by visiting youngglos.org.uk and completing the online referral form.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.