Sidestrand Hall School is proud to announce that we are beginning our journey to achieving the Rainbow Flag Award. The Rainbow Flag Award is a national quality assurance framework for primary schools, secondary schools and SEND schools. The award focuses on positive LGBT+, (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, plus other related identities), inclusion and visibility. The Rainbow Flag Award encourages a whole school approach to positive LGBT+ inclusion, as well as developing strategies to effectively challenge and combat LGBTphobic bullying. Watch this space for news as we progress towards the Rainbow Flag
What is the Rainbow Flag Award?
The Rainbow Flag Award is a national quality assurance framework for schools. The award focuses on positive LGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility. The Rainbow Flag Award encourages a whole school approach to positive LGBT+ inclusion, as well as developing strategies to effectively challenge and combat LGBTphobic bullying. By participating in such an award, schools are able to ensure that there is a safe space for their LGBTQ+ community. The school completes a self-assessment process, identifies relevant actions and then receives ongoing feedback throughout the award to ensure this is taking place.
A safe and supportive place for LGBT+ young people (aged 13 and up) and the adults in their lives to chat with trained staff from The Proud Trust who have experience working with and supporting LGBT+ young people.
Childline is a counselling service providing help and advice to young people under the age of 18. This service is not LGBT+ specific but the counsellors are equipped to answer questions around LGBT+ identities and support LGBT+ young people.
Proud Connections: Mentors programme pairs LGBT+ young people with trained LGBT+ adult mentors for regular online support sessions. The programme is open to LGBT+ young people aged 16-19 (up to 25 with additional needs) across the UK.
Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is in crisis. This service can be used to get mental health support anytime, anywhere. It may be appropriate to signpost your young people to this service, especially over the Winter holidays when other services close.
Proud Connections: Parents & Carers is an online peer support group for the parents and carers of LGBT+ young people facilitated by experienced members of staff from The Proud Trust.
This section of The Proud Trust’s website has been written for the trusted adults in the lives of LGBT+ young people. Here you may find information on LGBT+ identities, supporting young people with ‘coming out’, and more.
