Young Gloucestershire Launches Pioneering Project to Support Gender-Diverse Youth

Gloucester, UK July 2024—Young Gloucestershire (YG), a leading countywide youth-work charity, is proud to announce the launch of an innovative new project to support young people around gender diversity. The Arcus youth work project, which will begin in August and has been partly funded by the Dr. Martens Foundation, seeks to provide holistic wellbeing and developmental support for young people who identify as gender diverse or are questioning their gender identity.

The new initiative will focus on the unique needs of gender-diverse young people, providing them with the resources and skills necessary to manage their wellbeing and navigate their identities confidently. This project will employ a dedicated youth worker to work closely with young people one-on-one, offering personalised action plans and goal-setting to address their needs and challenges.

Research by the University of Cambridge for Stonewall has highlighted significant challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth, including high rates of bullying, mental health issues, and a lack of supportive adults in their lives. Young Gloucestershire's project aims to address these issues head-on by providing a safe and supportive environment for young people to explore their identities, build connections, and develop resilience.

The project will also involve group sessions to foster community and belonging among participants. By working closely with educational institutions, community organisations, and healthcare providers, YG will ensure that young people are supported in all areas of their lives. Additionally, the project will train schools and other community stakeholders to promote inclusivity and understanding of gender diversity.

Funding for the project has been secured with a grant from Dr. Marten's Foundation and expanded to a family offer due to support from St James Place Foundation and a private donation. It is the latest project from Young Gloucestershire to target young people's emerging needs and trends by providing both youth work and family support.

Senior Manager for New Projects and Development, Ione Sime, said, "This project is something we've been wanting to launch for a long time. All of the research suggests that young people exploring their gender identity need support without judgment. Through our youth work programme, we can ensure young people feel seen, heard, and supported during what is likely to be a challenging period in their lives."

Ione added, "This project is 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."

Accessing support from the Arcus project can be made by visiting youngglos.org.uk and completing the online referral form.