Training for Independence
We use the AQA Unit Award Scheme to give young people formal recognition of their success in short units of work. To recognise the achievement of students of all abilities in all non-qualification contexts, including work-related learning and work experience, careers education, curriculum delivery, personal development, citizenship. We use these units to accredit young people on a whole range of independence related activities such as budgeting, diet and nutrition, assertiveness, self esteem, confidence, personal safety etc.
Sexual Health Support
Are you ‘twenty something?’ TwentySomething is a monthly group for gay/bi men in their 20s to talk about sex, relationships and gay life in the 21st century; so bring your friends!
We offer a range of other workshops and groups (which are not age specific) for lesbians, gay men and bisexual people, which provide a rare opportunity to meet others. We focus on different aspects of lgb life and personal development. Workshops are a chance to talk about your own experiences and hear about those of others. We aim for them to be safe, friendly and relaxed, with a mix of activities that allow people to participate in a way that’s right for them. Please contact coordinator for dates and courses etc.
Mentoring and befriending
Both mentoring and befriending are one-to-one, non-judgmental activities meeting once a week or once a fortnight. Mentoring is largely task-focused and time limited. Befriending is more informal and offers the young person a friendly ear. All our volunteers for these roles are trained in both mentoring and befriending so as to be flexible your needs.
Mentoring might be able to help a young person, for example: Fill in the forms for college, apply for a job, budget, access LGBT social groups, help build support networks
Befriending might be able to help a young person, for example: with coming out, deal with bullying, with feelings of isolation.
As our mentors and befrienders identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans, they are often role models for young people coming out or coming to terms with their identity.