In response to the growing and diverse needs of the Delta community, the Step Forward Health Society has launched a new mental health support group specifically designed for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. This initiative aims to provide a safe and supportive space for young people in the community to discuss their mental health, seek guidance, and build connections with others facing similar challenges.
Addressing a Critical Need
Recent research highlights the urgent mental health needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, who face disproportionately high risks for mental health issues, including suicide. Studies, such as one from The Trevor Project, have shown that 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are four to six times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. The study also found that 45% of these young people have seriously considered suicide, and 20% have attempted it. Alarmingly, 60% of these youth reported being unable to access the mental health care they needed.
Additionally, 2SLGBTQIA+ youth often face greater discrimination, harassment, and violence related to their gender identity and sexual orientation, which exacerbates mental health challenges and increases the need for targeted support services.
Bridging the Gap in Support
The Step Forward Health Society, recognizing the gap in mental health services available to this vulnerable population, has committed to offering specialized support. Meg Neufeld, president of the society, emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying, “These youth are an important part of our community, and we recognize the gap in supports available to them. We want to bridge that gap.” She further stated that the 2SLGBTQIA+ youth population in Delta is growing and deserves access to mental health services that are safe, validating, and promote personal growth.
The society aims to co-create the support group alongside its members, ensuring that the services provided are tailored to their needs. This approach will involve ongoing feedback and collaboration with the participants to continuously improve and adapt the group’s offerings.
The Role of Alongside You
To facilitate the support group, the Step Forward Health Society has partnered with Alongside You, a local mental health clinic known for its commitment to serving the queer community. The group will be led by Fiona Scott, a Registered Clinical Counsellor at Alongside You. Scott, who has personal and professional ties to the trans community, is deeply committed to supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. “This mental health support group for queer youth is something I care about on both a professional and personal level,” says Scott.
Scott’s role is to guide the process and ensure that the group remains a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone involved. “The most effective support groups are those shaped by the people they serve,” she explains. “My role is to guide the process, ensuring that everyone feels safe, respected, and heard.”
Open to Grades 8–12
The new support group is open to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in grades 8 to 12, offering them a chance to access community and mental health support in a setting that prioritizes their safety and well-being. The goal is to provide a space where participants can connect, share their experiences, and receive support that affirms their identity.
By addressing the unique challenges faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, this initiative aims to foster a sense of belonging and provide crucial mental health resources to those who might otherwise be marginalized or overlooked.
