THE SCOTTISH Government has announced a new commission is to be set up in a bid to boost mental health support among LGBT children and young people.
The Government is providing charity LGBT Youth Scotland with £50,000 to help establish a Mental Health LGBT Youth Commission.
The move comes amid concerns LGBT youngsters can face what are described as “significant health inequalities” and “real barriers to accessing healthcare”.
Research from LGBT Youth Scotland found that around half (45%) of LGBT young people in Scotland do not feel supported by mental health services, and 1 in 4 (25%) do not know where to go to get information and help with mental health.
The research also found that a significant number of LGBT children and young people experience mental health issues, at 88%. This figure rises to 94% for trans people.
The research was undertaken in 2023 and surveyed 1200 participants.
The new commission will look to make it easier for Scotland’s LGBT youth to get help when they need it, with the work to be informed by young people who have suffered mental health problems.
Mental wellbeing minister Maree Todd (below) said the Government had “listened to children, young people and families” in investing in the commission.
Todd said: “I am happy to announce this additional support for LGBT Youth Scotland on top of the substantial investment we are already making in improving the mental health and wellbeing support provided to children, young people and their families.
“We have listened to children, young people and families, and are taking direct action in the areas where they have told us more support is needed.
“Making sure all children and young people can get the mental health and wellbeing support they need, at the right time, is important to this Government as our continued record investment in this area goes to show.”
She added that the Government hopes the project will provide important additional mental health support to LGBT young people in Scotland.
LGBT Youth Scotland has been contacted for comment.
