Your identity

Religion and cultural identity

Religion and cultural identity are important and we want to ensure you are supported to take part and share this with important people in your life.

We offer a cultural allowance to support with this. Find out more on our Allowances and assistant for care leavers page.

We accept we might not know everything about all religious and cultural beliefs, however, we are curious to learn, and we want to support you. Talk to your personal advisor (PA).

LGBTQ+ support

If you, or someone you know, thinks they might be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender do not worry, you are not alone. It is estimated that 10 per cent of the population is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. If it would help to talk to someone, use the links at the bottom of the page to find advice and support.

Definitions and commonly used words

Your sexual orientation is a way to describe the feelings you have. There are lots of words or labels used to describe these but, because these feelings are personal, you may find the words do not describe your feelings exactly. Read more about sexual orientation and common words from Stonewall Youth.

Coming out

‘Coming out’ is the term that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people use when they decide to tell their friends and family about it. This can be a difficult thing to do as people often worry that others will treat them differently once they know. If you are worried about coming out or want support, visit Coming out as a young person on the Stonewall website. They have information on sharing with your sexual orientation or gender identity with family and friends and the sources of available support.

Bullying, discrimination and domestic violence

If you are being bullied because of your sexuality (homophobia) or gender (transphobia) you are not alone. Talk to one of the organisations below or find out more on our bullying pages.

Local LGBT+ support

Allsorts Youth Project is a Sussex-wide project based in Brighton that listens to, supports and connects children and young people who are LGBT+ or unsure of their gender identity and/or sexual orientation. See the Allsorts website.

Other sites that might be useful: