LGBT+ Mental Health

Mental health struggles are unfortunately a common experience for queer young people.

A study conducted by stonewall found that half of LGBT people had experienced depression and 60% had experienced anxiety.

There can be many reasons for this but bullying, discrimination and isolation are large factors. An increase in education and awareness about LGBT issues in the wider community and especially in schools can really improve the experiences of queer young people.

The support for young peoples’ mental health, especially those within the LGBT community should come from many places. From more funding into mental health services but also from the support of others, as experienced at Space Youth Project (SYP). Mental health issues can often stem from a feeling of isolation so it is very important for improving the mental health of young people to generate a supportive community. To be involved with activities and socialise with others can help to combat the feelings of isolation and depression that are shared by many LGBT young people.

Since 2001 Space Youth Project has been active in the local community, supporting LGBT young people and their families. They have done this via 1-2-1 support both inside and out of groups and also by providing a safe space for young people to be themselves around people that are going through similar experiences.

Personally, I have found the sessions at SYP to be a warm and welcoming environment. It has given me something to look forward to each week and a place where I do not have to fear rejection for being myself.

SYP is a great place to meet new people and make friends. There are always excellent youth workers available to talk to if there are any issues on your mind.

If you need support outside of group, Space Youth Project has a page of resources you can access via their website.

Written by Supernova, Charlie

Anonymous Festival 2023

Space Youth Project attended the Anonymous Festival, taking place on the August Bank Holiday of Monday 28th August 2023 in Borough Gardens was an exciting opportunity for families to come together for a full day of music, food and fundraising. The annual event has taken place since 2009 in the same location; designed to appeal to those both young and old. We were grateful for the sunny weather allowing us to enjoy the day too. Overall on the 28th SYP managed to raise upwards of £150, mostly on glitter tattoos from Beth and Jane!

(Photos from Dorset Bays, thankyou!)

I attended Bournemouth Pride

I attended Bournemouth Pride on the 8th of July as part of Space Youth Project's Supernova programme to help run the stall with young people and youth workers from all around Dorset. I had a great time talking to people about Space Youth Project, what we do, what it's like, facilitating games, selling to the public, and generally enjoying the atmosphere of the event as a whole. As a Supernova, I meet with the other Supernovas regularly to discuss getting involved with events such as Pride. This year, we were involved in the planning of Pride for Space Youth Project with many more meetings running up to the event. As a group, we decided to make decorations for our stall at one of our regular youth groups so other Space members could be involved and make an impact. Being a Supernova is incredibly rewarding as we have the opportunity to get involved in new opportunities we wouldn't have otherwise had access to and can get involved in planning events for my friends at Space and the wider LGBT+ community. I feel Pride went great and the Supernovas helped the event along whilst gaining life skills and managed to speak to many people to relay information about what we do as an organisation.’

Written by Miles, the Vice Chair of the Supernovas