LGBTQ+ Support
Respect. Inclusion. Affirmation.
At StudentSpectra we believe that each individual is the authority on their sexual and gender identity. We honour your chosen name and pronouns. We understand that your identity is unique and doesn't have to fit an identified category or label.
StudentSpectra are funded by Children In Need to provide support for young people (13-18) who identify as LGBTQ+ or are questioning their gender or sexuality
Counselling
Counselling is available for LGBTQI+ young people (13-18) who live in pan-London and feel they would benefit from one-to-one psychological support. Counselling sessions are currently held online on Zoom.
Counselling falls under the umbrella term "talking therapies" and allows you to discuss your problems and any difficult feelings you encounter in a safe, confidential, non-stigmatising space.
The dialogue between you and your counsellor can be verbal as well as explored through creative media for example: drama therapy, poetry, or art making.
Creativity can be helpful in accessing parts of ourselves for which we may struggle to find spoken words, and can offer ways to take a step back from the problem and reflect on it from a different angle.
Counselling can offer support in a range of areas including: sexual and gender identity; confidence and self-esteem; relationships (family, peer, or sexual); and transitioning.
It is a voluntary service and sessions are tailored to your needs and goals. Find out more by watching this video:
Counselling.MOVIf you feel you would benefit from counselling support please complete the referral form and return it to Uni-T@spectra-london.org.uk
Pyramid Youth Group
Pyramid is a youth group for 13–18-year-olds who identify as LGBTQI+ and want a space to socialise with other LGBTQI+ young people.
As well as being a space to socialise, Pyramid members can find support with their mental health, gender/sexual identity, and personal development. We run sessions on lots of different themes, including mental health, relationships, and all things queer.
Sessions are run by our LGBTQI+ Youth Worker, along with support staff and volunteers.
Additionally, group members have access to 1-2-1 appointments with a youth worker to discuss anything regarding their wellbeing.
As of September 2021, Pyramid will be offering a hybrid service. This means we’ll be having session online via Zoom and face-to-face sessions.
Online sessions – Pyramid’s online sessions run every Monday from 6:30pm-8pm on Zoom, term-time only, and is the main group. This is open to teenagers across the UK.
The group runs a variety of sessions, with regular spaces where we catch up with each other’s week and check-in (these are our Chat & Chill sessions), as well as activity sessions which are on a broad range of topics. Previously, we’ve done sessions on drawing drag queens, origami, consent, coping skills, queer history, and much more. It’s always a fun time!
Face-to-face sessions – Pyramid’s in-person sessions run on the weekends once a month, and acts as an addition to the online group. These sessions are open to teenagers across London only.
As this is a new part of the group, we are still developing these sessions. These sessions may involve days out in London where we might go to the cinema, museums, bowling, picnics, and dine at restaurants.
If you are looking to join, you are asked to complete a New Members Form and will have an introductory conversation with the Youth Worker via Zoom before being invited to join the group; this is to preserve confidentiality and protect existing group members. After that, you’ll have access to the youth group, where you’ll be put on our mailing list to access Zoom details and information about in-person sessions.
If you would like to join the LGBTQ+ Youth Group please complete the New Members Form.
For any queries contact Uni-T@spectra-london.org.uk
CLICK HERE: Confidentiality
Confidential is another word to say ‘private’.
Your personal information is only available to those delivering, managing or administering your support service. It is not communicated outside the organisation or with other parts of the organisation without your consent.
Support workers attend supervision where they discuss their work, which is also bound by confidentiality.
Confidentiality may be broken should a worker believe there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or in very specific circumstances when required to do so by law.
Each person who engages with our service is asked to sign a confidentiality agreement which their worker will agree with them.
If you have any questions about confidentiality, please discuss this with your support worker.