Support for Rural Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Youth

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Conference
2009 National LGBT Conference
Date
30 July 2009
Decision
Carried as Amended

In rural areas many young LGBT people feel isolated, unsupported and invisible leading to increased levels of attempted suicide. Very often the support networks for young LGBT people that urban brothers and sisters enjoy just does not exist. Conference it is vital for the mental, physical and holistic well being of our young LGBT brothers and sisters that they are able to access the support that they need from the people they perceive to be their equals.

Conference therefore instructs the National LGBT Committee to:

1.Collate the information gathered from the mapping exercises in 2006, 2007 and 2008 and inform the LGBT conference of Equality and LGBT activity progress in the regions at the LGBT conference in 2010;

2.Conference further instructs the National LGBT Committee to work with the Regional LGBT groups to provide guidelines and best practice advice that can be used to lobby Local Authorities to provide this vital service for our rural LGBT young members;

3.Where rural outreach support groups do exist, conference urges that Regional LGBT groups and Committees and Branch self organised groups liaise with the young people to offer practical support and raise awareness about the benefits of belonging to UNISON.