Emma Welsh, LGBT youth intensive support worker, Allsorts Youth Project, Brighton.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
- How did you get this job?I was working as a support worker for people with learning difficulties when I saw a job advert for Allsorts in the paper and thought "that's my dream job".
I didn't really know anything about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth work - there had been nothing like it when I was growing up in Reading. It would have made such a difference to have a safe space to come out and to have the support of peers.
- So you hadn't trained as a youth worker?
No, I studied English Literature.
- But you took to it?
Absolutely. I started as a sessional worker for a few hours a week. I did an NVQ Level 2 in youth work with the youth service in Brighton and started courses on housing, substance misuse, and pretty much everything I could. I've done a foundation year in art and I'm using creativity as a tool for self-expression - that's very important for young people who have been told constantly that it's not okay to be who they are.
- Any plans for the future?
I'm now one year into a three-year counselling diploma. I'm very passionate about LGBT youth work: it's a very distinctive style of practice that plays a vital role in providing safe spaces and confidential advice. But I could be working with any group that feels excluded and can use self-expression as a way of reconnecting.
