LGBT health support charity receives funding boost

An LGBT youth charity in Scotland was selected to receive a £1,000 funding boost thanks to our East Scotland region.

LGBT Youth Scotland applied for the donation from our Community Champions scheme, which was created to financially assist regional charities, organisations, and good causes.

LGBT Youth Scotland works to provide engaging opportunities and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex young people aged 13 – 25 across Scotland. The charity also delivers an LGBT Charter programme which increases inclusion in schools, organisations and businesses promoting health, wellbeing, equality, and human rights.

Ann Marriott, Youth Work Manager from LGBT Youth Scotland explains: “We were absolutely delighted to hear that Persimmon Homes wanted to support our Pride Youth space held during Pride Week on 25th June.

“We were thrilled that more than 1,000 young people visited our youth space which was held in partnership with Canongate Youth Project and Totally Sound. We were able to provide a safe space for young people to meet, create a sense of belonging and make new friends.

“Reaching out to young people that need to feel part of a community and be able to talk about their experience aims to improve inclusivity and mental health, whether that is through our digital youth service, live chats or at events such as the one we held last week.

“Our recent research highlighted that 69% of the young people surveyed feel isolated and lonely due to the lack of interaction with the community.”

To tackle the sharp decline in young people’s mental health, LGBT Youth Scotland, hosted a youth space as part of Pride Edinburgh. The team is keen to roll out more ‘in person’ events to encourage people to attend without any labels or judgement.

One of the staff from the day fed back

“There was an incredible atmosphere both inside and outside of the venue. It was amazing to watch so many talented young people put themselves forward for the open mic and the support they received from everyone was just wonderful

Every room inside was busy and filled with chat and laughter which was great to see and hear. There was so much support and love in the space.

All stallholders were super approachable, chatty and made everyone feel so welcome. Everyone I spoke to was having an absolute blast and was just full of praise for the whole day.”

Laura Still, sales director at East Scotland region, said: “Mental health is something that continues to remain at the top of the national agenda, particularly since the pandemic and all the issues that has brought to people including the LGBT community. We are delighted to be able to donate to this wonderful charity and hope that it allows them to deliver more events that open up the conversation with young people that might be struggling.

“Each month we like to remind regional charities, organisations, and good causes of all types to have a go at applying to Community Champions. Filling in the online form is very straightforward, and they could very easy become one of next month beneficiaries.”

Each month East Scotland region Bathgate-based donates up to £2,000 to community groups across the region. This also happens across our other 31 operating regions, meaning up to £64,000 is dished out every single month – a total of £768,000 a year. Organisations can apply for funding by completing a simple online form at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity