URPOTENTIAL LGB&T YOUTH FEST 2017 SUCCESS

URPotential delivered the first National LGB&T Youth Conference in Blackpool on 11^th February 2017 at the De Vere Hotel Blackpool.

The Conference Celebrated Diversity in LGB&T History Month. Over 100 LGB&T young people aged 13 to 18 attended. The event was funded by The Peoples Health Trust & CCG Fylde & Wyre.

Chloe Moyle and Nicole Adhsead from Blackpool 6^th Form College entertained all delegates on arrival with their acoustic duets.

The event was opened by Helen Kershaw-Russell a lecturer at Blackpool & Fylde College, she delivered a Keynote speech about her personal journey.

The Inspirational speaker for the day was Calvin Lunt who talked honestly & openly about his LGB&T journey. His speech inspired the young people in the audience and set the positive tone for the day.

URPotential launched their LGB&T Educational Pack & DVD for schools, youth groups and Community groups before young people went into workshops of their choice.

After lunch the Skool of Street dance troupe got everyone up and dancing to YMCA before they moved into the afternoon workshops.

The Question Time panel consisted of Carolyn Mercer, Calvin Lunt, Travis Peters from Lancashire LGB&T, Katherine Mugonyi Equality & Diversity Officer for Blackpool Council, Theo Dainty young person, Jason Caton young person, Louise Dack young person. Young people asked questions about funding, LGB&T education in schools and how the panel felt the LGB&T agenda would develop over the next 10years.

Ian Ashton Equality & Diversity Lancashire Constabulary closed the event by thanking all young people for attending and URPotential LGB&T group for planning and delivering such a successful event. He said ‘This amazing conference must now become an annual event in the LGB&T calendar’

Discussions in workshops identified the need for a teachers LGB&T conference to inform and educate teachers to support LGB&T young people in schools.

Bullying was identified as the biggest issue affecting LGB&T young people coupled with poor emotional health & wellbeing and isolation. Plans are already in progress to deliver a teachers conference and URPotential LGB&T workers alongside young people will be rolling out the URPotential LGB&T Education Pack to local high schools.

Many thanks to the following agencies for making the day a huge success by giving up their Saturday to deliver workshops and have a stand offering advice and information.

Blackpool Councils WISH team brought the Information & Advice Bus offering Sexual health and relationships support for young people.