A group for parents and carers of LGBTIQA+ young people is holding its quarterly meeting next week.
Parents Empowering Rainbow Kids (PERK) is a group for parents of young people up to the age of 25 that aims to provide information, support as well as the opportunity for parents to connect. Organised by our WayOut program, meetings are held in different locations across the Macedon Ranges including Kyneton and Woodend.
Research has shown that young people with diverse sexuality and gender identities experience higher rates of anxiety, eating disorders, depression, social phobia and suicidal thoughts than their peers. Having the support from parents and other family members has been found to improve the mental health of young people. Previous PERK group members have reported that connecting with other parents of LGBTIQA+ children has given them the confidence to offer more effective support and a deeper understand of what their child is going through.
The next meeting is on Wednesday 14 July 5.30-7.00pm in Woodend. For further information please contact WayOut on 5421 1666 or email healthpromotion@scchc.org.au.