Newham Council has issued a response regarding an inaccurate report which has appeared in the media this week relating to an important service for LGBTQIA+ young people. The response is as follows:
“We are committed to building a genuinely inclusive borough and are allies in defence of LGBTQIA+ rights. We take a firm stance against prejudice, intolerance and hate and work hard to provide safe spaces for young people to amplify their views and explore and celebrate their identities. Following conversations with LGBTQIA+ young people in Newham, we have set up a free provision, which offers a safe, supportive and non-judgemental place for young people who identify as LGBTQIA+ to meet, take part in fun activities and influence change. It is also a place where they can access support and opportunities in the community. This work is still in its early stages of development but so far we have seen how vital, impactful and empowering the work has been for young people and the community.
“Keeping children and young people safe from harm is of paramount importance to the Council. We take a robust approach to safeguarding whenever we are planning and running events. There are strong processes in place to ensure that all events meet these high safeguarding standards. Our events are organised into age-appropriate groups and supervised by trained youth workers throughout.”