A new LGBT+ help service, the first of its kind in the country, is set to break barriers when it launches this week. The digital support service, called Proud Connections, has been created in response to a steep rise in requests for support to local charities during the pandemic.

Proud Connections is being piloted in Manchester, Greater Manchester and other areas of the North West this week, ahead of being rolled out nationwide later in the year.

Manchester-based charity, The Proud Trust, the UK’s largest charity for LGBT+ young people, has seen a peak in demand for its services during each of the UK’s lockdowns, especially among those in rural areas or who struggle to access community groups nearby. It reports that 54% of young people said their mental health worsened during lockdown.

These figures have been the driving force behind the launch of Proud Connections, the UK’s first digital service for LGBT+ young people and the adults who support them, which can be found at www.theproudtrust.org/proud-connections/

Proud Connections is a first port of call for young people (ages 13+), from where they can be signposted to further services such as youth groups or mentoring projects if needed. It is packed full of information on all aspects of LGBT+ lives and identities, including coming out, exploring identity, staying safe and faith and religion. It also has an online chat function available on Tuesday and Thursday for young people wanting to speak with a trained youth worker.

The hub also includes resources and information for trusted adults looking for advice on how to support an LGBT+ young person as they explore their identity. This could be anybody – from a parent, carer or grandparent to teacher, youth group leader, hairdresser or employer.

Ashley Hind, Proud Connections manager said:

“Overall, we have seen many more enquiries for our services than we would usually, reflecting how difficult the pandemic has been for people from all walks of life, and our own research has highlighted some worrying mental health statistics.

“For some young people who identify as LGBT+ the pandemic has been particularly tough, amplifying the issues they experience in their everyday lives and removing any support networks or safe space where they can truly be themselves. It could be that they are living with a person or people who do not accept their identity or who are LGBT+phobic. Some may have experienced online bullying, and others have sadly reported to us that they have been locked down in dangerous or abusive situations.

“In rural areas, travel restrictions have also increased feelings of isolation, with many being unable to see and interact with people they would usually turn to for support in difficult situations.

“Going forward, we recognise that young people need to be able to access our services remotely wherever possible, therefore we are piloting this service in the North West of England with a view to it being rolled out nationwide so that the Proud Trust can help even more young people.”

The project has received funding from Covid Impact Fund, Manchester City Council a spokesperson said:

“The Covid Impact Fund was set up to support the mental health and wellbeing of Manchester residents, with a focus on those communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. We’re pleased to see investment going to support LGBT+ young people in Manchester through the work of The Proud Trust and look forward to seeing the positive difference this makes.”

Young people from the Proud Trust have fed into the development of the service so far, one young person said:

“Proud Connections will be amazing for LGBT+ people in isolation because it’s an instant way to reach out with somebody else who gets it and won’t judge you. The resources on the website also help because they give young people like me the resources to empower themselves and remind themselves that they are beautiful and valid.” Young Person (age 15) from Greater Manchester.

Lockdown and LGBT+ Lives – The Facts:

According to a study by the LGBT Foundation, 42% of people that responded said they would have liked to access support for their mental health at this time. And 64% said that they would rather receive support during this time from an LGBT+ specific organisation.

Another survey within the Proud Trust’s own service users, the majority of which are aged between 13 and 18, found that 54% reported that their mental health had got worse during lockdown.

Nearly a third of those surveyed (29%) said the LGBT+phobia they experienced had got worse. Sadly, 16% said they self-harmed more than usual during lockdown and 15% were worried about becoming homeless.

Proving the need for such services, 38% also said they had attended online LGBT+ youth groups more often.

The new LGBT+ help service is supported by BBC Children in Need’s Impact Programme, A Million & Me, which focuses on supporting children who are beginning to struggle with their mental health and wellbeing.

Paddy Sloan, Project Director for A Million & Me, said: “We are delighted to be supporting The Proud Trust, who share our ambition to encourage children to share their feelings and supporting family, friends, carers and trusted adults to listen. A Million & Me is all about the importance of relationships and by providing access to expert information and giving children and adults the confidence to have open conversations, we aim to increase empathy and resilience and help prevent mental health problems developing. We look forward to working with The Proud Trust as they build their digital support service, providing information and advice to those who feel isolated and excluded.”