Gloucester, UK – Young Gloucestershire (YG), a leading youth-work charity in the county, is pleased to announce the launch of a groundbreaking new project aimed at supporting young people in the area who identify as gender diverse or are questioning their gender identity. The project, called Arcus, has received partial funding from the Dr. Martens Foundation and is set to begin in August.
Arcus is a holistic youth work project that aims to provide comprehensive support to gender-diverse young people. The project will employ a dedicated youth worker who will work closely with participants to create personalized action plans and goals to address their unique needs and challenges.
According to research by the University of Cambridge for Stonewall, LGBTQ+ youth face significant challenges, including high rates of bullying, mental health issues, and a lack of supportive adults in their lives. Arcus seeks to address these issues by creating a safe and supportive environment for young people to explore their identities, build connections, and develop resilience.
The project will also include group sessions to foster a sense of community and belonging among participants. In collaboration with educational institutions, community organizations, and healthcare providers, YG will ensure that young people receive support in all areas of their lives. In addition, the project will provide training for schools and other community stakeholders to promote inclusivity and understanding of gender diversity.
Funding for the project was made possible by a grant from the Dr. Marten’s Foundation, and it has been expanded to include a family support component thanks to support from the St James Place Foundation and a private donation. Arcus is the latest initiative from Young Gloucestershire, which aims to address the emerging needs and trends of young people by providing both youth work and family support.
Ione Sime, Senior Manager for New Projects and Development, stated, “We are thrilled to finally launch this project, which has been in the works for quite some time. Our research shows that young people exploring their gender identity need support without judgment, and through our youth work program, we can provide just that. Our goal is to ensure that these young people feel seen, heard, and supported during what can be a challenging period in their lives.”
Sime added, “Arcus is an opportunity for us to directly support young people on their journey and to educate and inform the community on this evolving and important issue, which affects over 3% of Gloucestershire’s school population.”
To access support from the Arcus project, interested individuals can visit youngglos.org.uk and complete the online referral form.
Press release distributed by Pressat on behalf of Young Gloucestershire, on Tuesday 16 July, 2024. For more information subscribe and follow https://pressat.co.uk/
