Launch of LGBT Youth Council
A new LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) youth council has been launched to give young people the chance to influence key decision makers across the capital.
The London LGBT Youth Council, a project funded by Comic Relief and managed by the Consortium of LGBT Voluntary Community Organisations, is set to open its doors to all LGBT people, aged 13 to 25 who live, work or study in London this week.
The Youth Council aims to improve LGBT services for young people and members will have the chance to advise key players like the Met police, and the Greater London Authority.
There will be the chance to design and deliver Youth Council projects such as peer mentoring, training and education resources – all of which will be designed by and for young people.
Co-ordinator of the project Gary Rowland said the service “offers a great opportunity for young LGBT people to have their say on issues across the capital. It’s a safe space for young people to come and air their views without feeling that they’re not being taken seriously. We have already received a lot of support for the Youth Council which shows how seriously it will be taken by decision makers in London..”
With the Goods and Services Act and the Commission for Equality and Human Rights being established later this year, the Youth Council believe they are in a perfect position to portray the voices of LGBT young people.
Dee Caryl, LGBT Strand Lead, Met Police, said: ”The Metropolitan Police Service has long recognised that LGBT people sometimes find it difficult to engage with the police. We know homophobic bullying in schools is all too common for these young LGBT people and that isolation is a big factor. We are therefore very pleased to be working with Gary and the LGBT Consortium to host the launch of the London LGBT Youth Council and to give these young people a voice and the ability to make a real difference.”
London LGBT Youth Council will be officially launched on Monday 13th November at an event sponsored and hosted by the Metropolitan Police.
You can sign up to become members of the Youth Council online at www.freestylelondon.org.uk/youth
