Step Forward Health Society is introducing a new mental health support group specifically for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in Delta — a growing population that currently lacks local services tailored to their unique needs.
Launched this month, the free group is focused on creating a supportive community for a growing population that currently lacks local services tailored to their unique needs, according to a society press release.
Research shows 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are at significantly higher risk for suicide, with rates four to six times higher than the general population. A recent study by The Trevor Project found that 45 per cent of these youth have seriously considered suicide, while 20 per cent have attempted it, and 60 per cent reported being unable to access the mental health care they needed.
Additionally, 2SLGBTQIA+ youth often face greater challenges due to their gender identity and sexual orientation, including higher rates of violence, harassment, and discrimination.
“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," Meg Neufeld, president of the Step Forward Health Society, said in a press release.
“We also know that the 2SLGBTQIA+ youth population in Delta is growing and deserves access to mental health services that offer safety, validation and opportunities for personal growth. Our goal is to co-create this support group alongside its members, ensuring it meets their needs through ongoing feedback and collaboration.”
To bring this initiative to life, the society has contracted Alongside You, a mental health clinic in Ladner, to be the service provider and to develop and run the group. Facilitating the sessions will be Fiona Scott, a registered clinical counsellor and member of the Queer community with close family ties to the trans community.
“This mental health support group for queer youth is something I care about on both a professional and personal level,” Scott said in a press release. “I’m incredibly grateful for the full support of the Step Forward Health Society and my employer, Alongside You, in making this possible. The most effective support groups are those shaped by the people they serve. My role is to guide the process, ensuring that everyone feels safe, respected and heard.”
The support group is open to any 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in grades 8-12 seeking community and mental health support. Registration is open now, and participation is free.
Sessions will focus on fostering a supportive community, providing education on mental health and other relevant topics, and helping participants process their experiences in a safe space. The group will meet twice a month on Mondays, with exact times to be determined based on what works best for participants after the first round of intakes.
Youth can reach out and connect directly with Scott by emailing 2SLGBTQIA-youth@stepforwardhealth.ca or calling 604-283-7827 ext. 740. Self-referrals are welcome, as are referrals from family members, teachers, counsellors or other supportive individuals. Community members with questions about the program are encouraged to contact Scott for more information.
“We are deeply grateful to our community for rallying behind us and helping us raise the necessary funds to launch this vital program,” Neufeld said. “We also want to extend our thanks to the Delta Community Foundation for providing the seed funding that made this initiative possible.”
