Youth Minister Dave Kelly today, on International Youth Day, announced that TransFolk of WA would receive funding totalling $300,000 over three years to deliver support services for transgender, non-binary and gender diverse (TGD) young people.
The three-year funding will enable TransFolk of WA to expand its Youth Service Project for TGD young people aged 13 to 25 years and their loved ones.
The Youth Service Project provides ongoing support and assistance for TGD young people through weekly meetings, fortnightly workshops, online platforms and community connection. TransFolk of WA’s work so far has identified a specific need for peer support and social opportunities for TGD young people.
The new funding will enable TransFolk of WA to continue and expand the project, as well as employ a youth project officer and a team leader.
TDG young people are at greater risk of mental health issues, including self-harm and suicide, than their non-TGD counterparts.
This is in part due to bullying, stigmatisation and a lack of appropriate support in the community, and this can contribute to TGD young people experiencing significant distress, with social isolation also a contributing factor. The Youth Service Project aims to address these risk factors.
As stated by Youth Minister Dave Kelly:
“Transgender, non-binary and gender diverse young people need support to ensure their mental and physical health and wellbeing.
“This funding will enable Transfolk WA to expand its work in informing, empowering and advocating for trans and gender diverse people to survive and thrive.
“Transgender, non-binary and gender diverse young people are an incredibly vulnerable cohort.
“Expansion of TransFolk of WA’s Youth Service Project will grow participation and engagement, promote inclusion, and build community connections to reduce the isolation felt by many TGD young people.”
