Mental health support group launched for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in Delta with help from the Delta Community Foundation
Step Forward Health Society is introducing a new mental health support group specifically for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in Delta — a growing population that currently lacks local services tailored to their unique needs.
Launched this month, the free group is focused on creating a supportive community for a growing population that currently lacks local services tailored to their unique needs, according to a society press release.
Research shows 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are at significantly higher risk for suicide, with rates four to six times higher than the general population. A recent study by The Trevor Project found that 45 per cent of these youth have seriously considered suicide, while 20 per cent have attempted it, and 60 per cent reported being unable to access the mental health care they needed.
Additionally, 2SLGBTQIA+ youth often face greater challenges due to their gender identity and sexual orientation, including higher rates of violence, harassment, and discrimination.
To bring this initiative to life, the society has contracted Alongside You, a mental health clinic in Ladner, to be the service provider and to develop and run the group. Facilitating the sessions will be Fiona Scott, a registered clinical counsellor and member of the Queer community with close family ties to the trans community.
“We are deeply grateful to our community for rallying behind us and helping us raise the necessary funds to launch this vital program,” Neufeld said. “We also want to extend our thanks to the Delta Community Foundation for providing the seed funding that made this initiative possible.”
Learn more about this initiative here.