Research shines a light on the strengths and resilience of young LGBTQ+ people in care
The experiences of LGBTQ+ young people coming out in the care system have been captured in a brand new, community-produced film.
The six-minute animation promotes the findings of SpeakOut, a national study led by researchers at the University of East Anglia’s (UEA) Centre for Research on Children and Families (CRCF) — the first and largest project of its kind in England.
The research shines a light not only on vulnerability and risk, but on the strengths and resilience of young LGBTQ+ people in care, and the support offered by foster families and professionals working with them.
Six young researchers, who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community and have also spent time living in care, made the film with UEA and the Creative Research Collective (CRC), using their own experiences to raise awareness of the needs of LGBTQ+ people in the care system and to improve services more generally.
The film with be screened at a public launch event on Saturday 28 July as part of Norwich Pride celebrations.
“The responses from the young people in particular provide powerful insights into both their personal journeys and their varied experiences of services," said Lead researcher Dr Jeanette Cossar, of CRCF and UEA’s School of Social Work. "Their contribution enhanced every stage of this project."
“We hope the film and the recommendations we’ve made for those working in the care system will lead to a better understanding of the issues facing LGBTQ young people in care and ultimately improve services and support.”
One of the young people involved in the project and featured in the film is Brett Service, from London:
“As a gay care leaver I got involved in this amazing project to improve services offered to both the current generation of LGBTQ children in care and care leavers, as well as any future generations.
“It is important that LGBTQ young people get the correct support from professionals involved in their care so they don’t feel alone, unwanted or unsupported.
"In this project we have all been able use our expertise as care leavers as well as our expertise as members of the LGBTQ community to advocate on behalf of other young people who are LGBTQ to make the changes needed.”
The film will be available to watch from July 28 2018 on the SpeakOut project website where you can also find out more about the findings of the study.​
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