Social Inclusion & Diversity Paper No 3 Research Into Practice

commissioned by Yorkshire MESMAC which investigated the provision of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and questioning (LGBQ) youth living in the North Yorkshire sub-region. The project consisted of two elements: Study- Part 1 The first part of the study was a mapping exercise of the current support available to LGBQ youth (16-25) in the North Yorkshire sub-region. Five voluntary and 15 statutory sector service providers provided input. Assessment was based on the extent to which each service provider catered for the specific needs of LGBQ youth. Results indicated a deficit in LGBQ specific service provision. Support specifically aimed at the LGBQ population was limited to three voluntary sector service providers and one youth group. Generic service providers varied in their ability to cater for the needs of LGBQ youth and only one was found to adequately address the needs of LGBQ youth. Study- Part 2 The second part of the study involved a qualitative investigation into the experiences and perceived needs of twenty-two LGBQ youth living in the North Yorkshire sub-region. Participants reported a diverse range of needs linked to their perceptions of isolation and a lack of social support