A SUPPORT group for young people coming to terms with their gender and sexuality has been launched.

Consett Detached Youth Project has started its LGBT drop-in group, Take Pride, to help gay and transgender teenagers in the former steel town.

It is currently working with six young people aged between 13 and 19, some of whom are experiencing anxiety in social situations and unable to go out or attend school.

Project manager Jackie Forbes said: “Our youth workers work in different areas with young people in the community and have identified a need for these isolated young people.

“They feel frightened and stay in their rooms because they have been bullied.

“They are being socially excluded because they see themselves as ‘different’ and this is somewhere they can be themselves.”

The group is planning to go on social outings and has already enjoyed bowling.

Mrs Forbes said: “A lot of them are unable to talk to their friends about these issues so we want to offer them somewhere they can come along, discuss what is going on a feel comfortable and feel they are not alone and are accepted.

“There is nothing else like this Derwentside.

“We support them and they have the support of each other.”

The group is being funded with a £5,000 lottery grant until the end of the year following a successful six week pilot scheme at the end of last year.

Mrs Forbes said: “We put it out there on social media networks and were contacted by a couple of mums initially who said they were really pleased and asked if they could bring their child along.

“That is how it started and bit by bit it has grown from there.”

The group is run by Mrs Forbes, at a secure building, which is not publicly advertised, for security reasons, along with experienced youth leaders, Mari Barton and Diane Wordsworth.

Ms Barton: “People who come to this group will not be judged.

“It is somewhere they can just meet other people, talk and just chill out.”

The group meets on Wednesdays from 6pm and 7.30pm.

To find out more call 01207-501-863, email consettchurches@btconnect.com or look for CDYP on Facebook.