Space Youth Project is a charity group whoh runs regular, free youth groups across Dorset which are ppen to anyolesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or questioning (LGBT+) young person under the age of 25. The group empowers young people, so they can have the positive self-esteem they need to overcome any barriers they may face growing up, caused or intensified by prejudice. They aim to make sure they never feel alone and to give them a sense of community.

Beneficiaries at Space Youth Project expressed a desire to get involved in the fight for their rights and to reach out and help others. A grant of £5000 from DCF’s Youth Social Action funding programme enabled the charity to deliver such an opportunity. They employed a part-time youth participation worker to help facilitate meetings with young LGBT people, to find out what they want to get involved in to meet needs identified by them and their peers.

Space Youth Project were also supported during the coronavirus pandemic. The group received a grant from DCF to set up online and telephone support for young people in Dorset from the LGBT+ community, who were at higher risk of mental health decline due to the isolation caused by the pandemic and the inability to engage with their usual support mechanisms with the charity.