Presenters: Kimm Topping (They/Them), Young Adult Speaker Mallory

This flexible program is specifically designed for parents and caregivers. Across the country, LGBTQIA+ youth consistently experience higher rates of mental health challenges and rates of suicide than their peers, but this can be interrupted with the help of supportive adults, particularly a parent or caregiver. 

Participants will build confidence to support LGBTQIA+ youth by engaging in education, reflection, and skill development. Additionally, participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to truly support LGBTQIA+ youth at home and in the community. This workshop will emphasize best practices for promoting well-being, particularly for youth at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities. Participants will leave with actionable strategies and resources. 

Program participants will: 

• Build confidence to support LGBTQIA+ youth particularly around mental health needs
• Understand the factors impacting mental health for LGBTQIA+ youth
• Develop skills and learn best practices for promoting the well-being of LGBTQIA+ youth, families, educators, and community members. 

This interactive 60-90 minute program is most effective when delivered in person in an informal setting where participants can move around the room and engage in discussion. However, the program is thoughtfully adjusted for alternate seating styles, participant needs, and for virtual delivery. 

Benefits

LGBTQIA+ youth experience mental health challenges, suicide ideation, and suicide attempts at higher rates than their peers who identify as heterosexual and cisgender. This is not because of their sexual orientation or gender expression, but due to responses of those within their community and beyond. By exploring five key areas of support, any adult can learn the basic skills to create an emotionally safe and inclusive climate. The 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey reported that across the board youth are struggling: 1 in 5 seriously considered suicide and 1 in 10 attempted suicide. This figure dramatically increases for youth who identify as LGBTQIA+ with a staggering 1 in 2 youth (nearly 50%) who seriously consider suicide. This program aims to intervene and reduce youth distress and provide life-saving intervention.

Please register with Taryn Angel at the Chelmsford Health Department: tangel@chelmsfordma.gov.