Direct work
Camden is an inclusive borough that aims to be a safe and welcoming place for everyone regardless of their age, culture, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation and for social workers, this should be reflected in the way we interact with young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning.
It is CSFH policy to allow young people the space to explore all aspects of their identity including their sexuality in a safe manner as part of their development and transition to adulthood.
It should be acknowledged that young people who are LGBTQ+ may face more difficulties than their peers and may need tailored support from the professionals who work with them. Some young people may be confused about their sexuality or gender and need to time and space to explore this safely and without judgement. Others may need support in “coming out”. Some may face hostility from family members or their community and all are likely to come across homophobia in various guises.
It is important that social workers work sensitively with young people to enable them to develop their sexuality and identity so that they can be comfortable in their sexuality and enjoy healthy relationships in adulthood.
Social workers can get more information from the following resources:
Cara Friend Guide for youth workers
Stonewall working with LGBTQ+ young people
NSPCC safeguarding LGBTQ+ young people
University of Birmingham research on LGBTQ+ young people in care
CAFCASS tips for working with LGBTQ+ young people
Frontline supporting LGBTQ+ young people
The following support is also available to LGBTQA+ pupils in secondary schools in Camden.
The Camden Mental Health Support Team in schools run a forum for year 9, 10 and 11 pupils called Let's Talk providing young people to connect with others with similar experiences. The group meets at Acland Burley School but other schools can signpost pupils there.
- William Ellis run an LGBT group through Mosaic called a boys club ( boys only school)
- Camden School for Girls and Parliament Hill’s LGBT group is run by the KIDS group
- Regent High have a regular Pride club
- Acland Burley use the EPS to run an LGBT group regularly
- LSU have a regular group