Evaluating mental health support for LGBTQ+ young people
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Identifying and evaluating mental health early intervention services and self-care support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) young people: A mixed methods study.
IRAS ID
261446
Contact name
Elizabeth McDermott
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Lancaster University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, days
Research summary
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) young people are more likely to suffer from poor mental health than heterosexual young people. In the largest UK research study to date, young people who were LGB and under 35 years old were two times more likely to have poor mental health compared to heterosexual young people. We also know that despite having more mental health problems, LGBTQ+ young people are reluctant to seek help from mental health services, and when they do, they often find it unhelpful. There is a clear lack of research into LGBTQ+ youth mental health support and as a result we do not understand their needs. The aim of our study is to produce research that will improve the provision of mental health early intervention services and self-care support to LGBTQ+ young people in the UK.
The current study will investigate the views and experiences of self-identifying LGBTQ+ young people aged 12–25 years old who have sought help for common mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. We will also be gaining insight into the experiences of parents/carers when supporting an LGBTQ+ young person to seek mental health support, and the experiences of service staff/volunteers who deliver mental health support to LGBTQ+ young people.The study will comprise of 12 case studies of early intervention mental health services that provide specific support to LGBTQ+ young people. These 12 services will be based in voluntary organisations, CAMHS/NHS services and educational settings across the UK. At each case study service 10 individual interviews will be conducted with LGBTQ+ young people, staff/volunteers and parents/carers, and two focus groups consisting of six LGBTQ+ young people. The study recruitment period will last 12 months.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0642
Date of REC Opinion
28 Jan 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion