$20,000 is to be put towards the development of resources to support LGBTI young people who are leaving school and entering employment, education or training. Youth Minister Nikki Kaye announced the funding on the 30th anniversary of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill’s passing in Parliament. “This is a time of change and often uncertainty for all young people, but LGBTI young people can face additional challenges when making this transition,” says Kaye. “The funding will go towards tools that support LGBTI young people to develop the resilience needed to safely navigate the new and sometimes difficult circumstances they find themselves in. “This support is important, because LGBTI young people are five times more likely than other young people to attempt suicide or deliberately self-harm. They’re also more likely to be bullied, physically harmed or afraid that someone may hurt them.” The support tools, which may include video-based resources for mentors, leadership workshops and hui, are to be developed by Creative communications agency Curative in collaboration with LGBTI young people. “Curative has strong relationships with the LGBTI community, and a proven track record working collaboratively with young people to support positive mental health and wellbeing,” says Kaye. In November, the Minister announced $150,000 in funding over the next three years for RainbowYOUTH to develop and increase support services for LGBTI young people. She says that the Government has invested around $500,000 in the last few years to provide services and support for LGBTI young people, from advocacy and education services to mentoring and leadership opportunities. “Last year, I also released the cross-agency response document Supporting LGBTI Young People in New Zealand, highlighting work happening across Government to support LGBTI young people. The funding announced today supports a number of objectives highlighted in the response, including that the LGBTI youth sector is strengthened and supported, and participates confidently in their communities and whanau. “The Government continues to support LGBTI young people and I’m committed to ensuring that they thrive, achieve and feel a sense of belonging.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 11th July 2016 - 9:55am