Cara-Friend offers one to one support for young people who are or think they might be Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning their sexuality and/or gender identity, but would prefer the opportunity to talk with an experienced LGBTQIA+ youth worker. Please note that our one to one services are not counselling and our youth officers are not counsellors.
Our One to One support can be requested by young people themselves, their school or professionals working with them and their parents/carers.
Our One to One support looks to focus on the following areas:
- talking about a young person’s feelings about their sexuality and/or gender identity
- improving mental and emotional well being
- building the ability to bounce back from difficult situations
- building healthy relationships
- supporting and empowering individuals to reach their potential
- building self-esteem and self-confidence
- improving communication between parents, family and friends
- keeping safe
Who can access our One to One support?
Any LGBTQIA+ or questioning young person aged between 12 – 25 can access our one to one support. We
- Wanting to discuss their sexuality, sexual orientation and/or gender identity and linked issues in a safe space.
- Experiencing queerphobic bullying.
- Experiencing low self-esteem or depression
- Experiencing isolation.
- Experiencing emotional difficulties
- Would benefit from advice in building relationships and keeping safe.
How can I access one-to-one support?
You can access one to ones support by sending an email to our Youth Team at admin@cara-friend.org.uk
What happens in a One to One session?
All One to One sessions are arranged to meet the needs of the young person. This may be arranged to take place online via Zoom, a phone call, by message or face to face.
Our One to One sessions are confidential – information is only shared with that young person’s consent, or if the young person may be a danger to themselves or others
The time spent with an LGBTQIA+ Youth Worker is non-judgemental and aims to assist in empowering the young person to take control of their own lives through;
- support
- guidance
- or signposting
We understand the difficulties faced by LGBTQIA+ young people and have a team that is dedicated and skilled at meeting the needs and expectations of young people through a person-centred approach.