BARNARDO’S is hosting free LGBTQ workshops across Yorkshire for professionals who work with children and young people.

The events will help participants learn about LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Questioning) identities and how children and young people can be safeguarded.

The Leeds area workshop will take place on Friday, June 29 from 9.30am to 11am in the West Room, Civic Hall, Calverley Street.

It is being held to coincide with Safeguarding Week, which aims to raise awareness of the different forms abuse and the part everyone can play in helping to detect it. Anyone wanting to attend should phone the Positive Identities Service on 0113 393 3244.

Barnardo's says young people who identify as LGBTQ statistically experience poor emotional and mental well-being, with lesbian, gay and bisexual young people twice as likely to make at least one suicide attempt in their lives compared to heterosexual young people - 34 per cent compared to 18 per cent. Nearly half, 48 per cent, of trans young people had made at least one suicide attempt in their lives.

Marcel Varney, Barnardo’s Assistant Director said: "Young people who are LGBTQ are much more vulnerable to bullying and poor mental health than other young people. We hope that in Safeguarding Week these workshops for anyone who works with children and young people will help to create an environment where these young people feel that they can access support."

The workshops are being held as part of the Prouder Communities Team and Right to Be Project - part of Barnardo’s Positive Identities Service. Prouder Communities offer a range of services including one to one work with young people, group workshops and community events across North Yorkshire, Wakefield, Bradford and Leeds, while the Right to Be Project holds student and professionals’ workshops and training around LGBTQ hate crimes.