Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity, is looking for LGBT+ volunteers in London aged 18 to 25 to speak in schools and tell their stories.
By signing up for Just Like Us’ Ambassador Programme, LGBT+ young adults can benefit from a huge range of opportunities, including career mentoring, skills workshops, media opportunities and joining a diverse community of LGBT+ young people across the UK.
They will also be trained and supported to speak in schools about what it’s like growing up LGBT+, helping to prevent anti-LGBT+ bullying.
The charity is running in-person volunteering training in London on 9 and 10 November 2024, covering travel expenses for all volunteers, including those from further afield, who want to get involved.
Attendees will learn all they need to know to become a fully trained Just Like Us Ambassador alongside other like-minded LGBT+ young adults in a fun, safe and relaxed environment.
Rich (he/him), a Just Like Us ambassador in London, said: “I volunteer as an ambassador for Just Like Us, which means I speak to school pupils alongside other volunteers about my experiences growing up LGBT+. When I give a talk, I delve into the common threads between the challenges I faced growing up, and the impact these had on my mental health, as well as the challenges which many LGBT+ youth still face today. These discussions are less about providing answers and more about encouraging questions, fostering understanding, and promoting the kind of dialogue I wish that I had as a student.
“The feedback from these sessions often highlights a shared sentiment among students — they appreciate the openness and the opportunity to discuss these topics with LGBT+ people who are only a little bit older than them. I am helping to give them exactly what I needed: dialogue and visibility.”
Laura Mackay, Chief Executive of Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity, said: “We are thrilled to announce our training of new ambassadors in London, who will play a crucial role by inspiring and supporting LGBT+ school pupils and their allies.
“Our Just Like Us ambassadors are remarkable individuals who share their stories and experiences, providing the positive representation that many young people desperately need. Every LGBT+ young person deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported in their school environment, and our ambassadors are pivotal in making that a reality.
“We look forward to welcoming these new voices in London, who will not only impact the lives of school pupils but will also connect with a vibrant community of LGBT+ young people across the UK.”
