Trafford Youth Engagement Service achieves Rainbow Flag award for LGBT+ inclusivity
Trafford’s Youth Engagement team has received full ‘Rainbow Flag’ recognition for its positive work on inclusion and visibility of LGBT+ young people.
The Rainbow Flag award is run by LGBT+ charity The Proud Trust, and the award was presented to the Youth Engagement Service and members of Trafford’s Rainbow Reflections youth group by Proud Trust interim CEO Susie Cuthill.
Working towards and achieving the Rainbow Flag award helps youth-centred organisations to focus on positive inclusion and visibility of young people who identify as LGBT+, (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, plus other related identities) as well as helping to combat LGBT+ phobic bullying.
To reach Rainbow Flag status, organisations are judged on a range of measures, including having well-trained, skilled staff, effective policies in place, offering an inclusive welcome and ensuing that the experience of young people is front and centre in everything they do.
As a result of undertaking the award, the service has adapted the delivery of group and one-to-one work to make it more inclusive. Systems for gathering and monitoring feedback have also been improved with the help of LGBT+ young people who have, and will, continue to shape the services they receive.
Cllr Karina Carter, Trafford’s Executive Member for children and young people said: “I am very proud of our Youth Services and the young people who have worked together to receive Rainbow Flag recognition in Trafford.
“It is so important that young people who are LGBT+ have their voices heard and are able to shape how services for young people are delivered. I was privileged to spend time with a delightful group of young people as they received the award and am grateful for the contribution they and our youth services teams are making to ensuring we are inclusive and welcoming to all in Trafford.”
Susie Cuthill, CEO of the Proud Trust said: “I was delighted to present the Rainbow Flag Award to Trafford Council’s Youth Engagement Service. It is so important that youth services are a welcoming and inclusive place for all young people. It’s great to see Trafford playing a part in that.”
