What is GYRO?
GYRO are award winning LGBTQ+ youth service for children & young people aged 11-25 years who are exploring sexuality or gender identity, or identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or (+) another part of the rainbow family.
We have a range of weekly youth groups for LGBTQ+ young people as well as 1:1 support for those who require a confidential space to access support around their sexuality and/or gender identity.
GYRO has existed in some form since 1976 making it one of the oldest LGBTQ+ youth provisions in the country (as far as we can see).
GYRO Youth Groups:
Tuesday GYRO – for young people in school years 7 – 10.
Every Tuesday, 4.30pm-6pm.
Wednesday GYRO – for young people in school yearS 11 – 13.
Every Wednesday – 4.30pm-6pm.
Thursday GYRO – We have a group for young people aged 18-25 years old.
Every Thursday – 5.30-7pm.
What do we do at GYRO:
At GYRO, there are opportunities to take part in fun activities each week as well as learn about our wonderful diverse community in age appropriate ways. We have lots of exciting activities, trips out and guest speakers, as well as chilled social sessions just to hang out and play the switch!
Some people that attend are quiet and arty and some are louder and performance minded, all personalities welcome and we try to accommodate everyone’s different needs as best as we can.
How will this service help me?
We know our groups can help you grow confidence, self-esteem, self-acceptance, understanding of diversity and difference, become passionate about your community, feel safe and respected. You can make new friends, learn new things, try new experiences and activities designed to be inclusive of your identity.
The hardest part is coming through the door! We know this can be scary but a member of staff will be there to welcome you in and take you to a confidential space to register with us and give you a chance to ask questions.
If you have any questions or would like to let us know you’re coming, feel free to email the team at [email protected].
1:1 Support
If you would like a confidential space to speak about anything related to your sexuality and/or gender identity, then our 1:1 support could be for you. Our 1:1 support is for children and young people aged 10-25yrs.
Once you’re referred in, the first step will be to have an assessment with a member of our LGBTQ+ team so we can best understand your needs and hopes for support. After this, you can attend up to 8 weekly sessions that are focused around meeting your goals.
Areas that our 1:1 support can help around:
- understanding your identity
- overcoming difficulties with school
- coming out
- feelings of gender dysphoria
- making positive steps with your social transition
- your mental health and wellbeing
- staying safe online and in the community
To access this support, please make a referral into YPAS (both self and professional referrals accepted).
