Here is an exmaple of some of the ongoing projects we support:
Training and Networking is important to us to broaden our impact and reach across the region and beyond. LGBT Youth North West works in partnership with other agencies including the National Union of Teachers, NASUWT, Rochdale Real Trust, the North West Regional Youth Work Unit, Greater Manchester Police, Young Lancashire, 42nd Street (mental health charity) and Albert Kennedy Trust (housing support). As an accreditation centre, we offer highly acclaimed training opportunities to young people and professionals as well as hosting students on placement with us for an in-depth training experience. We also support a range of consultancy and CPD opportunities. An integral part of our work is to advocate for the voice of LGBT young people which happens through forums, involvement in decision making processes and having representatives at local, national and international levels. We are particularly proud of our work with Schools Out and the International Lesbian and Gay Youth Organisation for helping us achieve these goals. See more here
The core sessions (mixed sessions) are the central activity of Lesbian and Gay Youth Manchester (LGYM) which is a service we host. We meet on a Tuesday 7.30-10pm, and Saturday 3-7pm, at the LGBT centre on Sidney St, off Oxford Road. We run a wider variety of activities to support and empower young lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people. These include sports, cooking, arts and crafts, and transferable life skills. One-to-one support is always available if someone wants to talk about any issues or problems they have. The group is confidential (so no one has to know that you come). It is a positive and safe space for all LGBT people.
The young women’s group is a peer-led and peer governed project for young lesbian, bisexual and questioning women from across the North West. All of our work focusses on positive outcomes within our six areas of wellness. These are physical, occupational, emotional, social/community, intellectual, emotional and spiritual. We run a Summer Camp each year, and meet weekly in Manchester 6-7.30pm at the Joyce Leyland LGBT Centre.
Out and About is a detached youth work project that works in the ‘Gay Village’ in Manchester (around the Canal Street area) on a Tuesday evening and on Cathedral Gardens (near Victoria Station) on a Saturday afternoon. The project helps signpost people to agencies and services that can help them e.g. Lesbian and Gay Youth Manchester (youth club), 42nd Street (mental health) and Albert Kennedy Trust (housing). The well trained volunteers offer information, advice and guidance to the young people in the area on a variety of issues. They are trained in delivering C-Card (giving out free condoms and safe sex information). The project also carries out regular research projects on topical issues. This year the research themes include Supporting BME Young People, Class and Coming Out and Emotional Wellbeing amongst Bisexual Young People. See more here
Peer Support and Mentoring provides one-to-one support for LGBT young people by trained mentors. For more information see our befriending and support pages
