CAMHS supporting LGBT+ young people

 

CAMHS logo

We work with people of all backgrounds inclusive of young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT+).

We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity, fairness and equality for all our staff, service users, carers and members of the public. We will do this by valuing and celebrating individual difference, inclusive of marriage/civil partnership status, disability, race, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, social background, pregnancy/maternity status or gender identity.

The whole staff team want to ensure that everyone is made to feel welcome to the service as well as feeling comfortable to discuss matters regarding sexuality or gender identity in confidence.

 

Why is mental health support so important for young people who identify as LGBT+?

Being LGBT+ does not automatically mean you will have mental health issues.  However, mental health issues have been found among people who identify as LGBT+.

Studies by Stonewall found the following:

  • 52% of people who identify as LGBT reported experiencing depression in the last year – rising to 68% in the age range of 18-24;
  • 61% of LGB young people and 84% of Trans young people report to have self-harmed – compared to 10% of young people in general;
  • 70% of LGB young people and 92% of Trans young people have had thoughts about ending their life compared to 25% of the general population of young people.

These studies also found that many young people who accessed health services feel that they have experienced a degree of unequal treatment from staff.  Furthermore, many young people report not being ‘out’ to any healthcare professional.

We recognise the significance of the experiences of LGBT+ service users and we strive to offer care and treatment which appropriately meets the needs of young people who identify as LGBT+. As part of this, it is important that we ask young people their sexuality and gender identity to help us provide the best care to individuals and to help us better understand and improve services for LGBT+ young people.

 

What are we doing about it?

We are committed to ensuring that our young people are supported to the highest standards. Therefore, we have been visiting the LGBT+ youth groups in Nottinghamshire including the Outburst and Trans4Me groups and Nottingham, the LGBT+ Service Nottinghamshire LGB and trans groups in Worksop.

Engaging with these groups has allowed us to gain insight from LGBT+ young people, many of whom have used our services. Young people have already told us things they value, including:

  • Being asked about their sexuality or gender identity – as this may be an important aspect of their mental health;
  • Staff having an understanding of LGBT+ matters, and on services available to young people;
  • Feeling accepted and understood;
  • Being called by their correct names and pronouns.

A group of young people and staff are working together to identify ways in which we can improve how we provide support to LGBT+ young people and we’ll share more in the coming months.                                                             

 

Tell us what you think!

If you have accessed our service and would like to give some feedback, please do so http://feedback.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/. This will help us to identify what is good about the care and treatment you receive and how we can improve.

 

Pride

We are excited to be attending Nottinghamshire Pride on 27 July, where our staff and young people will be on hand to share more about the work we are doing, and to celebrate with our LGBT+ community. Further details can be found at: http://www.nottinghamshirepride.co.uk/

We invite all young people to come along and meet us during the event, where we will offer a range of information on services, activities to take part in. We would also like to get as much feedback from you as possible on your experience of accessing CAMHS.

 

Services available for young people who identify as LGBT+

Below, is some information on services and groups for young people who identify as LGBT+. This may be beneficial in allowing you to make friends with others, or access targeted LGBT+ advice.

 

LGBT+ Service Nottinghamshire

  • LGBT group (11-16 years)
  • LGBT group (16-25 years)
  • Trans group (16-25 years)

Website: www.lgbtplusnotts.org.uk    

Phone: 01909479191

Address: The Centre Clace, Abbey Street Community Centre, Abbey Street, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S802LA

 

Outburst

  • Young people’s LGBT group (11-19 years)

Phone: 0115 952 5040

Website: https://www.facebook.com/outburstnotts/

Address: 29-31 Castle Gate, Nottingham, United Kingdom, NG1 7AP

 

Trans4Me

  • Trans and non-binary group (13-21 years)

Phone: 07958 194 768 (Sharon O’Love)

Address: Nottingham Wellbeing Hub, 73 Hounds Gate, Nottingham, NG1 6BB