Feeling different?
Feeling different is often part of growing up. We come to realise that the way we look, behave, what we think and how we feel can be different to those around us. Examples could be our skin colour, religion, having a disability, being gay or transgender or simply just feeling as though you don’t fit in. Most people, if you asked them, would admit to feeling different at some point in their life.
Although it’s common, feeling different can impact the way you see yourself, and lead to feelings of loneliness or worry. People can also use your difference against you to hurt you. Help is at hand – click on the links below for organisations you can reach out to.
Your rights
Differences such as having a disability, your race, religion or sexual orientation are among what’s called ‘protected characteristics’. These, along with some other differences, are covered in The Equality Act 2010. This protects people with protected characteristics from being discriminated against (treated unfairly).
Local services
GoodVibes – LGBT Youth Group
GoodVibes is YMCA Swansea’s LGBTQ+ youth group that supports young people between the ages of 11-25 years. It provides a safe space that reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation. Young people can build peer friendships within a community so that they belong, contribute, and thrive. Please click on the links below to check the times.
To find out more:
Tel: 01792 652032
Email: info@ymcaswansea.org.uk
Families First Youth Service – Neath Port Talbot
The Neath Port Talbot Youth Service Families First Team supports young people aged 11 – 25 years. One of their services is a LGBT support group.
Tel: 01639 686803
Email: spoc@npt.gov.uk
EYST
EYST supports BME young people, families and individuals including refugees and asylum-seekers in Wales. EYST has a team of trained and experienced youth workers from diverse minority backgrounds. Their skilled youth workers support young people from ethnic minority backgrounds with challenges they may face to help them thrive and reach their fullest potential.
Get in touch to find out more about what we offer:
Tel : 01792 466980
Please call 07394 923317 or 07512 792182 (Monday – Thursday 11am-3pm)
Email : info@eyst.org.uk
Chinese in Wales
The Chinese in Wales Association (CIWA) is a charitable organisation which aims to deliver services that will make a positive difference to the lives of ethnic Chinese residents in Wales. They support young people via their youth group, which helps them to navigate difficulties and learn about the local culture through a variety of different activities.
To learn more:
Tel: 01792 469919
Disabilities and additional needs
Do you have a disability or additional needs? tidyMinds have put together some useful information, including local services that can support you.
National helplines and support
National Helpline for LGBT+ Victims and Survivors of Abuse and Violence
Helpline for LGBT+ people experiencing abuse or violence, such as hate crime, domestic abuse, sexual violence, so-called “conversion therapy”, or any other forms of abuse. Please click on the link below to check the helpline’s opening times.
Tel: 0800 999 5428
Email: help@galop.org.uk
Childline – Discrimination
Discrimination and hate crime are against the law. If you’ve been treated differently, unfairly or have been hurt because of who you are, we’re here to help.
Childline – Racism
Here, Childline looks at the ways people may experience racism and racial bullying.
Childline – Disabilities
If you have a disability, you might have challenges that other young people don’t. Knowing your rights can help you deal with challenges such as discrimination. It’s also good to know how to get any support you might need.
Mermaids
Mermaids is a national charity supporting transgender, nonbinary and gender diverse children, young people (up to their 20th birthday), as well as families and professionals involved in their care.
Mermaids provides a safe place for transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children and young people to find, support and help one another. Find information, attend events or access support via the following options:
- Youth Forum/Community (a forum for parents and carers is also available)
- ‘What now?’ sessions (for parents and carers)
- Helpline – 0800 801 0400 (visit the link below to see operating times for this and the web chat options)
- Text chat: text MERMAIDS to 85258 (available 24/7)
- Web chat
- Email: info@mermaidsuk.org.uk
Understood by Us
Content from people who learn and think differently. Hear advice from people with ADHD, dyslexia, learning disabilities, anxiety and more on how to thrive in school, work and life.