Pride Action North Receives £170k Grant from The National Lottery for LGBTQIA+ Youth Mental Health Support

Date: 2023-09-14 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: EVENTS
news-banner
In a groundbreaking development, Pride Action North has secured a grant of £168,340 from The National Lottery Community Fund to launch a youth mental health support program in Northumberland. This initiative comes as a response to the pressing need for specialized support for LGBTQIA+ individuals aged 16 to 25 in the North East.

Initially, the program will be rolled out in Northumberland, with plans for expansion into Tyne and Wear in the future. The aim is to bridge the existing gap between community-based support and education, ensuring that LGBTQIA+ youth receive the assistance they require before reaching crisis points.

Darren Irvine-Duffy, Chair of Pride Action North, expressed concern about the current situation, stating that many young people seeking help are already in crisis due to the lack of appropriate support. He emphasized that the new project's focus is on early intervention, helping identify issues within young LGBTQIA+ individuals and providing them with access to top-notch support and advocacy. The ultimate goal is to prevent their personal circumstances from deteriorating further.

This project intends to enhance mental health and overall well-being, alleviating feelings of isolation and social insecurity by fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among LGBTQIA+ children and young adults.

As part of the initiative, Pride Action North will appoint an education coordinator responsible for creating inclusive environments in schools, colleges, and universities across the North. Additionally, education professionals will receive training to refer young people to the appropriate community-based support organizations.

The grant also enables the charity to hire a new link worker, and it is expected that over 900 individuals will benefit from this project during its three-year duration.

Angela Brudenell, Charity Manager, highlighted the significant impact this project will have on those who may not know where to seek help or feel isolated. She stressed that improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ communities is at the core of Pride Action North's mission and expressed gratitude for the National Lottery's support in carrying out this vital work for young people in the area.

Duncan Nicholson, Head of Funding for the North East and Cumbria at The National Lottery Community Fund, acknowledged the contributions of National Lottery players and the dedication of Pride Action North, emphasizing the pivotal role this project will play in enhancing the mental health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ youth.

Formerly known as Northumberland Pride, Pride Action North rebranded earlier this year, signifying a new chapter in their mission to support and empower LGBTQIA+ communities.
image

Leave Your Comments