Links

Some frequently asked questions and answers

Open AllClose All
Is it anonymous and confidential?
Yes, it is confidential and no form of ID is required to attend the group and you do not need to give your real name. We do ask that you be honest about your age.
If I’m under 16 will my parents be informed?
No, Outreach youth is confidential. If a worker believes you to be in extreme risk they may inform some people for your own protection, but they will try to ask your permission beforehand
Is everyone ‘out’?
No. Not all young people are out to everyone they know, some are out to only their best friends, others are out to almost everyone they know and some are not out at all to anyone.
How many people will be there?
The number of people there depends on lots of things but can be between 8 to 20 people.
What if someone I know is there?
Don’t worry, although it may be a bit embarrassing at first all our young people are friendly and welcoming and won’t tell anybody about your visit due to our Group Agreement.
Is it intimidating?
You may find your first visit to the group a bit intimidating, however all our young people remember the first time they came along, and you’re bound to get on with someone!
What do we do at the session?
The first half hour is an informal chat session where you can come and catch up over a drink (non-alcoholic). The rest of the evening will be devoted to range of activities usually chosen by the group. See our Programme Page
Do I have to pay?
No, all our sessions are free - although trips and visits will need a contribution.
Do I always have to attend?
No, attend which ever session you like – although it is nice having people come along on a regular basis.
Can I bring a friend along?
If they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender - yes if not no - we want to ensure that the project is a safe space for the other young people who come along.
I’m not gay or bisexual can I attend?
The group is for young people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning their sexuality. If you are in any way unsure of your sexuality you are welcome to attend.
What happens if I see a group member in another social situation?
As not all our young people are out to everyone they know it is often best to wait for the other person to acknowledge you first. If you are happy to talk to members outside the group if you bump into them then let people know in the group
What if I am too old?
Feel free to contact us we may know of other services or visit the links section which lists other services you may be able to access. There may also be opportunities to volunteer at the Project if you are under 21.
What’s it like coming along for the first time?
We like to offer new young people the chance to meet a youth worker and current user of the project before their first visit. That way you know two people when you come along. On a first visit a youth worker will chat with you to let you know about the drop-in and Outreach youth. Then they will introduce you to the young people who have come along for that session. A youth worker will usually stay with you and introduce you to more young people, they will look out for you all the time to ensure that you are not left sitting on your own or feeling awkward. The first half hour is an informal chat session where you can come and catch up over a drink (non-alcoholic). The rest of the evening will be devoted to range of activities usually chosen by the group. The activities are easy to participate in and fun and relaxed - it's a good way of feeling safe and getting to know people, particularly if you're a bit shy or nervous. At the end of the night people everyone helps clear away, helps fill in the session record sheet and then head off home.
Will I find a boyfriend/girlfriend?
Some of the young people who attend Outreach youth are doing so because they want to meet other people and sometimes that includes looking for a relationship, but the main purpose of the project is to be supportive and welcoming to everyone there, so any relationships that form tend to do so outside of the actual project times.
Will I be having to fight off people hitting on me?
Most people realise that when you are meeting a group of people for the first time, it's best to get to know them slowly. If anyone gives you unwanted hassle speak to an Outreach youth worker or volunteer.
Are there any other ground rules?
Everyone has to keep to the rules of the building and the Outreach youth ground rules, which have been written by young people. These include:
Every One Belongs
All gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender young people are welcome at Outreach youth. We will take a stand against all forms of discrimination and oppression. In order to create a safe and welcoming space, no slurs against any member of any group will be tolerated.
Its Kept In The Group
Personal, private information should stay within the group. For some gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender young people, Outreach youth maybe a hidden part of their lives - therefore everyone involved agrees not to acknowledge others outside the session without prior agreement and to remember that careless talk outside sessions can put other young people in difficult situations.
Its Alcohol, Drug and Sex Free
Because we value the health of young people, Outreach youth is an alcohol, drug and sex free space. No use or possession of alcohol or other drugs in or around Outreach youth is allowed.
Its Safe
Everyone have the right to be physically and emotionally safe here, and we support young people in resolving conflicts in positive ways. Threatening violence, physically harming, intimidating or bullying anyone is not allowed.

So everyone is expected to treat each other with respect and keep the drop-in a safe place for all who attend.
I am interested in coming along, what do I do?
That's good .... why not use our contact page to send us a message, call or text.
I don't want to come right now, any advice?
That's fine - please feel free to come back to the website or contact us if we can be of any help or you want to check things out in the future.
I am trans can I come along?
Yes - we have other trans young people using the project, who feel they can be themselves.

 

 
Some words