70% of LGB young people and 77% of transgender young people still experience bullying in school

LGBT Youth Scotland has been awarded nearly £400,000 to fund a project that aims to help LGBT+ people who face discrimination or are bullied because of their sexuality.

Despite important changes in legislation to protect and advance the rights of LGBT people, the charity says that in Scotland 70% of LGB young people and 77% of transgender young people still experience bullying in school and 10% of LGBT young people leave education as a result.

The Breaking Down Barriers project will see skilled youth workers supporting young people in Tayside, Forth Valley, Dumfries and Galloway, individually and working in groups to develop their skills and confidence so that they can successfully progress to further training and employment.

A major innovation of the programme will see the development of online group work and personal support for LGBT+ young people, anywhere in Scotland, who are unable to access services because they live in remote areas.

The day to day reality for many LGBTI young people is that they still face considerable barriers to enjoying life

John Nicholls, youth work director at LGBT Youth Scotland said the project would help over400 LGBT+ young people over the next three years.

He said: “In recent years Scotland has seen changes in our legislation and national leadership which seek to make life much better for the LGBTI community. Nevertheless, the day to day reality for many LGBTI young people is that they still face considerable barriers to enjoying life to the full and achieving their aspirations.

“This is why LGBT Youth Scotland is proud to announce the launch of the Breaking Down Barriers project. Through our award winning youth work approaches we will stand alongside young people to develop their skills and confidence and support them to break down the barriers to their success.”

The funding of £380,200 was granted by Big Lottery Fund Scotland.

Its chair Maureen McGinn said: “This is life changing money which will support people and families facing challenging circumstances and I wish LGBT Youth Scotland every success as it goes on to develop and expand this valuable project.”