Training - Supporting LGBTQIA+ Young People

About the training:

This in person training course has been developed with Quench Arts' LGBTQIA+ Youth Focus Group for any adult who engages with young people (parents/ carers/ teachers/ social workers/ youth workers etc).

This training programme is designed to help trainees understand how to better support and advocate for young LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Throughout the sessions, we explore the challenges queer youth face, including the impact of media representation, the subtle ways that environments can either affirm or alienate, and the importance of being critical consumers of information.

Trainees will learn practical strategies to create safer, more inclusive spaces, whether in educational settings, workplaces, or within their communities. The training also emphasises the importance of self-reflection and awareness, encouraging participants to consider how their actions, words, and even unintentional behaviors can influence the well-being of queer youth.

Through discussions, activities, and real-life examples, this training aims to equip you with the tools and understanding necessary to actively support queer youth, making them feel seen, respected, and valued. The insights and experiences of queer youth themselves are at the heart of this programme, ensuring that the content is relevant, authentic, and impactful.

Session overview (each session is 3 hours long):

Session 1 (Friday 27th Sept 1pm-4pm):

Identifying the support needs of queer youth; Creating safe spaces for queer youth.

Session 2 (Monday 30th Sept 9.30am-12.30pm):

Understanding queer identity and experience; Effective strategies for supporting queer youth.

Session 3 (Monday 30th Sept 1pm-4pm):

Practical actions you can take; Implementing day-to-day changes for inclusivity.

Ideally trainees will attend all 3 sessions.

We ask that everyone attending the training comes from a respectful place. We want to create a space where different views can be heard, questions can be asked without judgement and where everyone is welcomed and accepted.

What you will need to bring:

• Notepad and pen
• Lunch (please note that hot drinks, squash and biscuits will be provided)
• An open mind and heart

Venue:

Quench Arts HQ, Floor 2, Afro Caribbean Millennium Centre, 339 Dudley Road, Winson Green, Birmingham B18 4HB.

This training is delivered by 2 young queer facilitators.

About the trainers:

Lydia Winters (she/her) - Hello! My name is Lydia Winters and I am an artist who loves working with people. I love creating things especially when I get to collaborate with others. I’m always eager to figure myself out and try to help others find their own voice, and I look forward to being able to fully express myself and work on more projects that inspire me.

Sam Strachan (he/they) - I'm a facilitator and artist with a background in accessible theatre practice. I've worked with adults and young people in a broad range of education settings, as well as the community and mental health sectors. My goal is to create spaces where participants feel accepted and listened to, in the hopes that this will help spread the principle of kindness.

Please note that we are also delivering the same course online in October if you would prefer this method of accessing the training.

Host or Publisher Quench Arts CIC