Belong To are  launching an updated training programme ‘Supporting the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People’, developed in collaboration with our friends at Jigsaw - The National Centre for Youth Mental Health.

LGBTQ+ youth experience disproportionately high levels of self-harm, depression and suicide ideation. We want to let you know about the protective factors when supporting LGBTQ+ young people which help them thrive.

This is a free online training delivered in five modules and is designed to upskill anyone working or volunteering with young people.

BOOK YOUR TRAINING HERE

This training takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete, and covers topics including:

• Using appropriate language and terminology when supporting LGBTQ+ young people;
• The current landscape of LGBTQ+ young people’s mental health;
• The impact of the social determinants of health on LGBTQ+ young people’s mental health;
• The impact of minority stress upon LGBTQ+ young people’s mental health; and
• Practical strategies to help build resilience among LGBTQ+ young people.

Increase in Mental Health Challenges for LGBTQ+ Youth

As someone working or volunteering with young people, you will know what a huge opportunity there is to support them in a way that can really change lives. We just know how important this is, as the Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland research by Trinity College Dublin showed a deterioration in the mental health of LGBTQI+ young people since the first study in 2016.

In fact, this research showed that today in Ireland, compared to the general youth population, LGBTQI+ young people experience:

• Three times the level of severe and extremely severe symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression;
• Twice the level of suicide ideation; and
• Five times the level of suicide attempts.

Being able to support young people through challenges being faced at a critical time in their development can have a huge and lasting impact.

This training has been designed to best equip you with the knowledge and understanding to be able to support LGBTQ+ young people at a time when we know they truly need that support.

BOOK YOUR TRAINING HERE

We are very proud of this resource and hope that the many incredible people working and volunteering with youth will avail of it and utilise it to best support LGBTQ+ youth across the country.