Breakout Youth Project

Reading Pride - the sun was shining earlier - no longer - but we're still having fun!

Both our Southampton groups meet fortnightly - ages 11-14 next week and ages 15-21 the week after. If you'd like to join us contact hello@breakoutyouth.org.uk or 02380 224224.

On Friday 9th August, Breakout Youth submitted this letter to the Isle Of Wight Observer:
We are writing in response to the letter from J Rogers of Ryde, dated 2nd August, to present a balanced perspective on the issue of transgender pupils at Island schools.
Their concerns included the lack of independent sources of advice to parents or youngsters, and pressure being put on individuals to transition because it is presented that a failure to support trans people is transphobi...c. This is a point which will no doubt generate debate; however, facts about trans young people that are not debatable include (Youth Chances, 2014):
83% have experienced verbal abuse 35% have experienced physical assault 27% have attempted suicide, with 89% having considered doing so 72% have self-harmed at least once
Therefore, it is so important to offer support to children and young people who are questioning their gender identity or who identify as trans.
The writer’s suggestion of delaying transition rather than ‘changing immediately’ is generally the case – long waiting lists at the gender identity development service leave young people dealing with an array of concerns raised by this specific situation. It is during this time that specialised LGBTQ+ services such as Breakout Youth can offer crucial support to young people, both individually and in group settings.
We hope that by publishing our response to the original letter, the many more young people on the Island who are questioning their gender identity or who identify as trans will feel confident that there is an independent source of advice available to them.
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For those on the #IsleofWight looking for a bit of adventure...

We are taking Breakout Youth members from various locations including #Basingstoke, #Southampton and #IsleofWight to#ReadingPride on 31st August. If you know any organisations who would like to sponsor our rail travel, please get in touch here or on hello@breakoutyouth.org.uk

Some of our groups start back next week after a short break - if you'd like to join us please contact hello@breakoutyouth.org.uk or 02380 224224.

Over the summer our Basingstoke and Andover groups have been busy making some wonderful tie dyed creations! If you'd like to know more about us, contact hello@breakoutyouth.org.uk or call 02380 224224

Wheelchair basketball - one of our favourite activities yesterday at the Pride Youth Games. On the coach home now, already planning how to fundraise so we can go back next year! Contact hello@breakoutyouth.org.uk or 02380 224224 if you'd like to find out about us.

Mountain biking at the National Cycling Centre, Manchester.

Ready for a morning of cycling activities on this last day of the Pride Youth Games. If you'd like to know more about us, contact hello@breakoutyouth.org.uk or call 02380 224224

Breakout dodgeball team at the pride youth games 2019 (Captain not pictured as she's taking the photo!)

Climbing is just one of the many activities young people from Breakout Youth (and youth workers!) have enjoyed today at the Pride Youth Games in Manchester. If you'd like to join one of our groups, email hello@breakoutyouth.org.uk or call 02380 224224.

This link will take you to the Harbour Lights site to purchase tickets for tomorrow night - a screening of 'Are You Proud?' plus director Q&A.
https://www.picturehouses.com/…/are-you -proud-director-qand…

Popsi's Pizza in Southampton have kindly offered to donate £1 to Breakout Youth for everyone of this chef's special Pride pizzas sold - also available vegan at no extra cost. Mmmm. ☺️

Our #IsleofWight #LGBTQ+ group certainly had fun today at LaserQuest - and brought out the competitive streak in some! Apart from Pride Youth Games and Reading Pride we will not be meeting for the summer - the group starts back up again on 5th September. The team are still available though, so if you are interested in joining us, or accessing 1-2-1 support, please email hello@breakoutyouth.org.uk or call 02380 224224. Have a wonderful summer 😎

Our Southampton group next meets on 22nd August. Please contact hello@breakoutyouth.org.uk or 02380 224224 for further info.

Busy preparing for the #PrideYouthGames! Our #IsleofWight #LGBTQ+ group will be travelling to meet the coach, supported by #RedFunnel. If you'd like to find out more about how Breakout Youth could support you, please contact hello@breakoutyouth.org.uk or call 02380 224224.

Last night our new Breakout Waterside group had its first meeting and had fun with an evening of video games. If you'd like to join us call 02380 224224 or email hello@breakoutyouth.org.uk