Think2Speak awarded £90,000 for LGBTQ+ youth mental health support
A social enterprise in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire has been awarded £90,000 to provide mental health support to LGBTQ+ children, young people and their families. The funding is being provided by the UK Youth Fund – Thriving Minds, a new programme being delivered by leading national youth work charity UK Youth.
Earlier this year UK Youth, working in partnership with the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust, launched Thriving Minds, an ambitious fund for projects to improve mental health support and provision for young people through youth work. Organisations will be supported for three years, both with funds and a tailored package of extra support including workshops, training and by building communities of best practice.
The initial £10m pot provided by Julia and Hans Rausing has been boosted by an additional £1m from the Westminster Foundation.The funding received from UK Youth Fund Thriving Minds, will enable Think2Speak to continue the work they do with young people, ensuring it can remain free at the point of access.
Lizzie Jordan, CEO, Think2Speak said “As we face an uncertain time economically and socially, the need for our support is rising, however in recovery from a pandemic which has impacted businesses worldwide, it has become increasingly difficult to meet this need. Think2Speak was at risk of closure unless we were able to secure funding to allow us to facilitate our youth groups whilst also growing our training and trading arm. With the support of the UK Youth Fund, we will not only be able to improve the mental health support and provision for LGBTQ+ children and young people, we will also be able to ensure Think2Speak continue to be here at a time when we have never been in more demand from young people.
Ndidi Okezie, Chief Executive of UK Youth said: “Youth workers can spot the signs that a young person is experiencing difficulties and can support them to open up, talk through what they are going through and seek help if they need it. With a youth support system already on its knees post pandemic we know the numbers of young people that need support from a youth worker are only going to rise as we face the biggest cost of living crisis in a generation. UK Youth are delighted to be able to help fund Think2Speak, one of almost 100 organisations across the UK improving support for young people over the next three years through their incredible work with young people.”
For more information about the UK Youth Fund –Thriving Minds, visit www.ukyouth.org.uk/thriving-minds For more information about Think2Speak, visit www.think2speak.com
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About Think2Speak
Think2Speak believe in a fair and equal society where LGBTQ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer) children and young people can achieve their full potential. We are dedicated to equipping LGBTQ+ children and their families with the tools they need to have the conversations that really matter. Our social justice and inclusion expertise, coupled with therapeutic mental health support, means we have become a trusted lighthouse by marginalised families across Lincolnshire, and our neighbouring counties, who turn to us.For more information, please contact hello@think2speak.com
About UK Youth
UK Youth is a leading charity with a vision that all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. With an open network of over 8000 youth organisations and nation partners in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we are focused on unlocking youth work as the catalyst of change that is needed now more than ever. To find out more, visit the UK Youth website. For more information, please contact communications@ukyouth.org
About the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust
Since its formation, the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust has provided over 1,000 grants totalling more than £330 million. The Trust currently gives away some £50m each year to UK charities. Funding is given to organisations working within three main areas: Health and Wellbeing; Welfare and Education; and Arts and Culture. The Trust exists to realise the philanthropy of Julia and Hans Rausing. For more information please visit www.juliahansrausingtrust.org or on twitter: “@JHRTrust”
About The Westminster Foundation
The Westminster Foundation is an independent organisation representing the charitable activity of The Duke of Westminster and Grosvenor businesses. It provides long term sustainable help and direction to vulnerable young people. Led by The Duke of Westminster, it is passionately committed to giving young people the attention, care and direction they deserve. It believes that early positive intervention is critical to set the direction of a healthy, secure and fulfilling life. The Foundation’s funding is focused on creating opportunities for young people (0-25) and their families to have the resilience, skills and capacity to lead happy and healthy lives. Through creating these opportunities, it aims to tackle the causes and impact of inter-generational inequality. Website: www.westminsterfoundation.org.uk