With apologies for the unexpected break I'm pleased to be back with a very special new episode discussing issues around mental health in the LGBTQ+ community.

According to recent government data, an estimated 3.1% of Britons over the age of 16 now identify as LGBTQ+, with the number of young people under 16 doubling over the last 4 years.

However, statistics alone only tell us part of the story.

Whilst there have been many advances in equality for LGBTQ+ people over recent years, there is still much more that needs to be done.

Although being LGBTQ+ doesn’t necessarily mean you will have poor mental health – all the evidence shows that there are alarming levels of mental ill health amongst the LGBTQ+ community, compared to those within the general population.

A recent study by Stonewall found that:

· Half of LGBTQ+ people had experienced depression and 3 in 5 had experienced anxiety

· 1 in 8 LGBTQ+ people aged 18-24 had attempted to end their life

· More than 1 in 10 trans people (12%) attempted to take their own life, compared to 2% of LGB people who aren’t trans.

· Almost half of trans people (46%) have also had thoughts about taking their own life.

With these figures rising each day; we need to make sure that our LGBTQ+ friends, family and colleagues are sufficiently supported in the workplace, and society at large.

Join Rebecca Reed (Mental Health and Suicide First Aid Trainer) and Sarah Stephenson-Hunter (LGBTQ+ Trainer, Speaker and Podcaster) as they talk about navigating language, workplace support and supportive conversations in order to become an ally of those within the LGBTQ+ community.

Want to continue the conversation? Join us on our online workshop on Tuesday 4th October @ 13:00 - 14:30 PM. Book your ticket here on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/411082377457

£5 from every ticket going to Mosaic LGBT+ Young Persons Trust who work tirelessly to support young people in the LGBTQ+ community.

Find more about Rebecca Reed:

· Website: https://www.siendo.co.uk/

· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-reed-cheetham/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/siendo-wellbeing

· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/siendo.wellbeing

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siendo.wellbeing

Find more about Sarah Stephenson-Hunter:

· Website: https://www.simplyequality.com

· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stephenson-hunter-she-her-02225a96/