Crisis Intervention Service

Funded for three years by BBC Children in Need, the Crisis Intervention Service delivers 1:1 support, crisis intervention and advocacy for LGBT young people in Calderdale. The aim of the service is to respond in an appropriate and holistic way to the needs of LGBT young people in a crisis situation using Every Child Matters principles as a framework.

Our focus is to encourage self-advocacy - enabling and supporting young people in crisis to make informed and free choices and where appropriate speak for themselves. We also provide information and support for families and carers struggling to accept, understand or support their LGBT child.

We work with young people in short term crisis and those experiencing longer-term distress and needing intensive 1:1 support to resolve their situation. We do this through young person centred assessments and the development of individual action plans to identify the best ways to meet their needs, working in partnership with mainstream services to achieve the best outcomes for the young person.

Our Crisis Intervention Worker also offers support and information for workers wishing to develop their knowledge and skills in meeting the needs of LGBT young people.

Identifying A Crisis

Many LGBT young people can struggle with negative feelings about their emerging sexuality and same sex attraction. Some young people can also feel that they are in the wrong body and begin to identify as transgender.
Coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or questioning their gender identity/sexual orientation can therefore be a very stressful & difficult time in a young person's life.

Whilst most difficulties can be resolved with support from friends and family, those without a support network can become overwhelmed by their feelings and life can easily slip into a crisis situation. This can manifest in changes in a young person's behaviour and emotional state at home, at school and with their peers as they experience:
  • Isolation and withdrawal
  • Parental/family rejection
  • School bullying
  • Truancy/school drop out/low attainment
  • Self hatred/hatred of gay people
  • Low self esteem
  • Depression, anxiety, phobias
  • Suicidal thoughts/attempts
  • Self harm
  • Misuse of alcohol and drugs
  • Sexual exploitation/Risky sexual behaviours
  • Homelessness/sofa surfing

What Happens Next

We take referrals from family members, friends, teachers, school nurses or other professionals who have concerns about a young person or their situation. The young person may not have identified as LGBT but may be questioning their sexual/gender identity. Referrals can be made in person, by telephone, or completing a Crisis Intervention Referral Form. Young people can also self refer by contacting the service.

Once a young person has been referred, the Crisis Intervention Worker will arrange to meet them. This can be at GALYIC, school or another venue they feel comfortable in. If a worker or family member is referring them we usually suggest they accompany the young person for support. From there, the young person's needs will be assessed and with the support of the Crisis Intervention Worker they will agree an Individual Action Plan that sets out the support they need and the steps to be taken to meet their needs.

For more information or to make a referral contact the Crisis Intervention Worker:

[ email ] helen@galyic.org.uk

[ tel ] 01422 844858

[ sms ] 07799 027203

Click here to download referral form.