How you can get involved

Our Youth Groups

Are you aged 12-25 and identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or are affected by HIV? Would you like to access information and support? Would you like to meet and make friends with like-minded people? Or would you like to get more involved with our trust and gain some valuable volunteering experience? We offer a range of exciting opportunities including groups, one-to-one meetings with our friendly staff, expert practical advice and volunteering opportunities that may be just what you’re looking for! Please take a look around our website to find out more, or click here to watch a promotional video.

We run several groups that support, educate and inspire our young people by delivering outstanding services that are focused on, and designed in collaboration with our group members. Our Youth Workers help with real day-to-day issues and give you the chance to meet other LGBT+ young people in a safe environment.

Our groups are a great space to make friends, learn new skills and be who you are without being judged. Meeting people just like you, who you can share your story with, can be very beneficial and make you feel better about yourself.

We design and offer great activities and workshops that are requested by members, so we know they are relevant and interesting. As well as educational sessions and both practical and emotional support, our groups are also a place to have fun. We plan events like visiting the theatre, cinema, exhibitions and other LGBT+ relevant experiences that will further enrich you as an LGBT+ person.

Our groups can be accessed by young people living in Sheffield and the surrounding area. If you are interested in joining or would like to find out more, please get in touch with us by phone or email us. If you would like to join the group we will arrange an initial one-to-one meeting with you where we can tell you more about our groups and activities, complete a referral form to gather some of your details and answer any questions you may have.

We appreciate how hard it can be to make the first step, and welcome anyone to get in touch, even if you are not completely sure of your gender identity or sexuality yet. You will be met with understanding.

‘’I feel more confident since I’ve been coming to SAYiT. I feel well supported and I’ve got lots of friends here.’’

Fruitbowl

These two groups are for LGBT+ young people under the age of 18.

SAYiT Fruitbowl – Younger
This is a group for people who are LGBT+ or questioning and are aged 11, 12, 13, 14 or.
We meet on Thursday evenings from 4:00pm – 6:00pm.

SAYiT Fruitbowl – Older
This is a group for people who are LGBT+ or questioning and are aged 15, 16 or 17.
We meet on a Thursday evenings from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.

Between 5.30pm and 6.00pm there is the opportunity for the group members of older and younger Fruitbowl to meet each other with the team leaders, which can ease the transition as the young people approach 16 years old.

Young people refer themselves to the project or are referred by teachers, youth workers, family members, social workers, the police, GPs and other professionals. Please contact us to make a referral and get all the relative details of the venue and the dates and times of our weekly meetings.

 “Fruitbowl has been amazing. I have met so many nice people and the workers are brilliant, and always there to help you if you have a problem.”

Prism

Are you an LGBT+ young person aged 18-25 years old? Prism is a safe space for the questioning and the proud. A supportive environment to explore your gender identity and sexuality. We meet monthly on a Wednesday evening from 6:00pm – 8:00pm in Sheffield City Centre.

Expect a range of social opportunities, support and activities including art making, film nights,  games, quiz nights and the opportunity to speak to our team about any issues or difficulties you may be experiencing.

For more information please contact harriet.wan-hallam@sayit.org.uk

SAYiT GSA

We have our own gender sexuality alliance (GSA). This group is about empowerment and participation and is dedicated to ensuring SAYiT provides a safe and nurturing environment for LGBT+ young people and their straight allies to come together and express themselves. Focus so far has been on arranging sponsored walks, organising event such as International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), community fundraisisng, organising a residentail and being part of consultations with SAYiT staff and trustees around serviec design and improvement

Next year we are hoping to build on our work and invite more allies and lgbt+ young people from the city to get involved.  To find out more, please get in touch with Harriet at harriet.wan-hallam@sayit.org.uk