BYHP: Supporting Banbury’s LGBT Community

According to a survey by Stonewall, 50% of LGBT pupils say they frequently encounter homophobic abuse at school (Source).

Here at BYHP, respecting and supporting others’ opinions and rights as individuals is extremely important. Through our work, we focus on our young people’s health and well-being, helping them to live, work and enjoy their place in society, whilst having the confidence to speak up for what is right. This month (February) marks LGBT History month. To support this year’s theme, “Peace, Activism and Reconciliation”, we’ve decided to take a look at each of these elements, exploring how they apply to those principles we hold here at BYHP:

Peace

We believe that every young person deserves to know peace within themselves and in their connections with friends and family. This may be through accepting yourself for who you are or just knowing where to find a friendly shoulder to lean on when things get tough. Here at BYHP, we don’t judge. We seek to find solutions to those challenges faced by young people today with help from our dedicated professionals and the support of your fellow service users. These solutions may include counselling, employability guidance to help you seize life’s opportunities, or support from our CAMHS team to provide light-touch mental health support where we think it can be most effective.

Activism

Through our support services, coaching and activity sessions, we encourage and empower our young people to have confidence in their own opinions and speak up for themselves and others.
 
Reconciliation

Relationships with friends and family are never easy, particularly when you’re young. BYHP provides family mediation for those young people who have strained relationships with their families, either to help them rebuild those bridges or identify ways to manage the situation more effectively.

How can you support LGBT History month?

The official LGBT History month website https://lgbthistorymonth.org.uk  has lots of information and advice about how you can support the movement, such as nearby events, free resources, following their social media channels and promoting the message within your own community.