Friday, October 2, 2015

Lifeline is a Safe Space


Through the efforts of Lifeline’s Cultural Competence Committee and in recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Month, all North County Lifeline staff and volunteers attended Safe Space trainings offered by the North County LGBTQ Resource Center.

As an official Safe Space, Lifeline supports youth and their families regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. This is critical given that suicide risk is dramatically higher for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth.
 
Our commitment means: 
  • You will see the Safe Space stickers on all Lifeline campuses demonstrating our acceptance.
  • While we won’t try and change others’ beliefs or values, it is important that we accept and meet our youth and families where they are. 
  • We will use inclusive language in all facets of our work with troubled youth and families.
  • We will offer support in an environment that is free from harassment and bullying.
  • We are here for all youth and provide support and linkages to the LGBTQ community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning).
Thank you to Max Disposti and the North County LGBTQ Resource Center for training more than 81 staff and volunteers! Through our combined efforts, we will assure that that youth and family members can equally access critical counseling and crisis services—support that could save lives.

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