Young People

We recognise that it is sometimes really difficult to understand your sexuality and very scary to talk about what that may feel like. We can offer any young person the opportunity to talk to someone confidentially about your feelings. We are a team of trained professionals who have had years of experience working with people to understand their sexuality. You can contact us by the following methods Phone: 03001239117 / 0845 643 9399, Text: 07785 223722 / 07919 541 465 or Email gmhp@hchc.nhs.uk. Or you can check us out on Facebook by searching for our group Healthy Gay Hampshire.

For some the first feelings about sexuality may be confusion and uncertainty, for other young people they are certain about who they are. Often the problem is meeting people like you to share the good and bad things about being young and gay. It's very easy to end up feeling isolated – like you are the only one. That's not the case. Throughout Hampshire there are hundreds of young people who know they are gay or who are exploring their sexuality. Meeting up with other people can be a good way of getting support, getting to know yourself better, feel more confident and less alone. Before you tell other people about your sexuality it might be helpful to read our coming out guide, it has some useful information and top tips.

One way of meeting new people is by getting involved in one of the great gay youth projects in the area. There are some great youth projects in the area which all meet in safe spaces and have great support and information, fantastic youth workers and young people who know what it's like to be young and gay. There is a list of all of the youth projects in Hampshire on the youth listings page.

Don't forget that E4D offers one to one support, if you want to talk to someone in confidence. We can also arrange for you to meet with a youth worker who understands what it is like to be young and gay.

We also have a few useful leaflets in the office. These explore a load of issues for gay young people including talking to other people about sexuality and what to do if you are a victim of homophobia. We can send you a copies of leaflets if you want.

If you are feel that your parents need some more support there is a new group called Parents' Friend in Southampton, there is also a national support organisation called FFLAG (Friends and Families of Lesbian and Gay people). The contact details are on the links page.

Other good people to talk to are Youth workers, Connexions PAs, School nurses and School counsellors who all offer a confidential service.

See also: Coming Out