LGBT Mentoring in Schools (MOSAIC)

Mosaic LGBT+ Young Persons' Trust

When

What

This FREE service is delivered in schools by registered charity, MOSAIC YOUTH, as part of the Heads Up partnership in Harrow.

Mentoring delivered by an LGBT mentor can help a young person to establish a positive relationship and discuss any issues they may face in positive, affirming and kind environment. Mentoring can be very beneficial to young LGBT+ persons as they experience high levels of isolation and loneliness.

MOSAIC are already delivering this FREE service across schools in Harrow, including Harrow High School.

Mentoring is for anyone who wants to have a chat in confidence with a youth worker. We offer advice, information and support on a one-to-one basis. It is NOT a counselling service – more like a space for you to be heard, examine options and bring about positive change in confidence. Some people come for one-offs, others for a more long-term support – it depends on where you’re at and what you want. We can also provide one-2-one support by email and by phone.

Young people who have used the service, have found it a safe place to talk through problems and take decisions in their lives. Issues discussed include coming out (or not as the case may be), work, homophobic bullying, confidence, sex, dealing with organisations and knowing your rights, bisexuality, suicidal feelings, HIV/AIDS, loneliness and depression, sexual abuse, racism, the LGBT scene and much more. Other people just need somewhere to talk about what motivates them, dealing with conflict with parents, starting new relationships etc. Whatever it is, if you need a space to have a non-judgemental chat, we are here for you.

We also support young people to access health and support services, such as sexual health clinics and counselling services. We recognise that going on your own can be a nerve-wracking and intimidating experience. For example, the youth workers have gone with a number of young women and men to the sexual health clinic, making the appointments, explaining the procedures and then returning with them for check-ups.

All face-to-face sessions are free and totally confidential and take place at school, or outside of this if that is more comfortable for the young person.

To discuss providing this service in your school, contact Lukasz Konieczka - manager@mosaicyouth.org.uk

SEND friendly