Yasmine McClory Foundation, based in Sutton-on-Trent, offering private counselling for LGBTQ+ teenagers

LGBTQ+ teenagers are now able to access private counselling thanks to the efforts of a Sutton-on-Trent-based charity.

The Yasmine McClory Foundation was launched earlier this year in memory Yasmine McClory, of Sutton-on-Trent, who passed away suddenly earlier this year aged just 20 years old of a pulmonary embolism likely the result of her being ten weeks pregnant.

The Yasmine McClory Foundation supports causes Yasmine was passionate about, including food poverty, LGBTQ+ mental health, children with learning disabilities, and medical conditions affecting quality of life, with her mum Annelie, dad Jason, and siblings Jess, 27, and Ev, 17, all on board to keep Yasmine and her legacy alive.

And now the Foundation has announced the launch of a funded private counselling program specifically designed for young members of the LGBTQ+ community in Nottinghamshire.

Partnering with My Solution Wellbeing, the foundation will initially fund six private sessions for two individuals, aged 12 to 18 and in full-time education, who are dealing with identity-related mental health challenges.

The sessions will offer the young people support for those navigating issues such as self-acceptance, coming out, family dynamics, bullying, and other challenges that often impact LGBTQ+ youth.

By providing private, specialised counselling free of charge, the Yasmine McClory Foundation aims to reduce financial barriers and create a safe, supportive environment for young people to explore their identities and find empowerment.

This pilot program will assess community interest and needs, with hopes of expanding services in the future based on demand and available funding.

Jess McClory said: “Yasmine was a proud and supportive member of the LGBTQ+ community so this feels like a perfect way to honour her memory.

“We know first hand that our society can be a difficult place for members of this community, particularly when they are younger and still trying to find their true identity. Our hope is that by making access to mental health support easier, the rest of their journey becomes easier too.”

For more information, eligibility details, or to support this program, visit https://www.yasminemccloryfoundation.org.uk/our-work/lgbtq-support