A NEW VENUE for LGBTQ+ youth groups has been announced. 

The Goerge and Dragon on Castle Street will host the groups from Thursday, July 13. 

It comes several months after the Progress Bar on Endless Street had to close because it was opened without the correct planning permission.  

The Salisbury City Council Communities Team led LGBTQ+ youth group started in February this year by listening to what young people in search of a safe and supportive space, dedicated to them, told us they wanted.

At the centre of these groups, overseen and facilitated by professionally trained staff and supporting volunteers, young people can meet, participate in activities, and chat with us and each other without agenda, or judgement.

So many young people have expressed a need for space independent of home and school which is dedicated to them as they find their way through their thoughts and feelings in relation to their sexuality and sexual orientation and want somewhere safe that they can share them.

The groups will take place at The George and Dragon, welcomed by the management at the pub but held as a safe space for young people.

No alcohol will be provided and families are welcome to accompany young people to the group to find support together.

Supportive allies are also welcome to attend. Soft drinks and snacks will be available.

The groups are starting on Thursday, July 13 4.30pm - 6pm (ages 11 - under 16) and 6.30pm – 8pm (ages 16+) and will run once a month.

A mum of a transitioned daughter told the council: “If a group like this had existed when my daughter was transitioning, we would have welcomed it with open arms.”

A young trans man added: “That would be perfect, this event (Pride 2022) is great but it will be packed away when it’s finished and then we will be forgotten about for another year – we need it.”

During the younger sessions, attendees can engage with activities such as arts, crafts and board games and in the older session members will forge new friendships in a chilled environment with support on hand if requested.

If you are someone with lived experience of the journey as a member of the LGBTQ+ community or a loved one of someone who is and feel you can be supportive by giving some time for others finding their way, contact the Salisbury City Council Communities team about volunteering.

The team involved in this project would ask that if you know a young person who is looking for community and don’t know where to find it, direct them to this group.