We are excited to present the final product of our international strategic partnership with Sateenkaari-ikkuna ry – a manual supporting the development and promotion of peer support in the field of mental health for LGBTIQ+ youth. This manual is a result of the YAPS project and includes practices designed to empower young people to act as peer supporters in a safe and sustainable way.
Research and experience show that young people in LGBTIQ+ communities often face mental health challenges related to socio-economic issues and minority stress. Peer support is essential as it lowers the threshold for seeking help and provides a safe space where young people can share experiences and support one another. However, such informal support can be overwhelming. This manual provides guidelines on how young people can effectively support their peers while taking care of their own well-being.
The manual is freely available on our website and is intended for youth workers, peer supporters, and young people. It offers insights into working with LGBTIQ+ youth, including considerations for migrant, neurodivergent, and culturally diverse backgrounds.
Feel free to explore and make use of the manual in your work!
The manual is part of the partnership cooperation, co-funded by the European Commission within the Erasmus+ programme.