Breakout Youth supports LGBTQ+ young people to stand up to hate crime

Hampshire youth charity Breakout Youth has been awarded funding from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire to run regular workshops on hate crime, healthy relationships and cyber-crime at their support groups across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Young people who identify as LGBTQ+ are significantly more at risk of hate crime than heterosexual or cisgender young people. In the 2018 LGBT National Survey 2 in 5 respondents reported that they’d experienced verbal harassment or physical violence in the previous 12 months. 9 out of 10 serious incidents go unreported. Hate crime based on sexual orientation had increased by 27% in the last year.

The workshops will ensure young people understand how to recognise hate crime and how to report it. Similarly, workshops on healthy relationships and cyber-crime will help them recognise when something is wrong and build their confidence to deal with it in a positive way. Group sessions will take place online and through small face to face groups across Hampshire, including Basingstoke, Southampton, New Forest, Test Valley, and Isle of Wight.

Zoe Grant, Manager of Breakout Youth said “We are pleased to receive this funding from the OPCC to further our support of young people. Breakout Youth brings together LGBTQ+ young people to build confidence and self-esteem and allow young people to become secure in themselves within a safe environment. This project will promote emotional wellbeing and positive mental health, providing targeted support for young people around hate crime, cyber crime and positive relationships.”