CAMHS supporting LGBT+ young people

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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 do this by valuing and celebrating individual differences, inclusive of marriage/civil partnership status, disability, race, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, social background, pregnancy/maternity status or gender identity.

Our whole staff team wants to ensure that everyone is made to feel welcome as well as helping them feel comfortable to discuss matters regarding sexuality or gender identity in confidence.

Why is mental health support so important for young people

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.

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.