YPOP, a safe space for LGBT+ youth in Darlington

Since Darlington ARQ closed there has been no provision for LGBT+ youth in Darlington. They are a minority and are frequently targeted in town and at school. As many of you know, my own child had to move schools due to bullying. YPOP (Young People of Pride) is a safe space for any teenager, no matter what is going on in their life, whether they are out or not at home or to friends. It is a safe place for teenage LGBT+ people to meet, away from any harassment and bullying, where they are free to be themselves. I have secured a place for the group to meet, which has amazingly been given for free, I have the necessary DBS, first aid certificates etc in place and I am willing to give my time, the only problem is funding. Before the group can meet myself and my volunteer need personal liability insurance and to set up some sort of charity/social group I need bank account details. I would love to set YPOP up as a charitable/community group so I can have access to grants and funding, it would give us security as we could rent somewhere. It would be fantastic if YPOP had a little start up fund to set up something official and do something amazing for the LGBT+ youth of Darlington and local area. Any extra money raised over our target will all be used for the group.