LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, plus other related identities)
At The Marches School we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves, without fear of prejudice or discrimination. 
Support and Information
The resources below outline the support, information and guidance available to LGBTQ+ students, parents, carers and staff.
In school Support for Students and Points of Contact for Parents and Carers
Non-judgemental support will be provided to all students, dependant on their needs and we have a range of systems that aim to assist the inclusion of all of our students.
In the first instance students can:
· Speak to their Form Tutor or their Head of Academic Progress
· Access our Alphabet Mafia group on a Friday lunchtime in S3
· Attend the Safe Space Social group on a Tuesday after school in the library
· Talk to one of the LGBTQ+ Student Ambassadors (wearing a rainbow lanyard)
· Agony Aunt – anonymous question box outside medical – responses discussed in Alphabet Mafia
· Mrs Corfield based in S3
· Contact the Safeguarding Team – Miss Phillips, Miss Cheeseman, Miss Crossley or Miss James
Local area LGBT+ Support and Information:
XZY Youth Group – Based in Shrewsbury (Oswestry TBC)
XYZ Youth Group is a youth club aimed at LGBTQ+ people from secondary school age up to their 18th birthday. Sessions take place every second and fourth Saturday of each month. For more information contact Mrs Corfield or Jess Williams at jess@sya.org.uk
Babbinswood Farm – Whittington (all ages welcome)
Every Saturday at 12.30pm they hold an LGBTQ+ gathering at the farm on their community garden. For more info go to www.babbinswoodfarm.co.uk
LGBTQ+ – Mid and North Powys MIND (16-25’s)
Offers support, advice and access to a support group which is open to anyone who identifies as LGBT+, their family and friends.
National Support – For Children and Young People Mermaids provides support for LGBT+ young people aged 19 and under.
This is a charity which provides resources to support young LGBTQ+ people. The site includes a range of information including FAQ’s and support for young people who are thinking of coming out.
Provides support for young trans people across the UK. They have a range of information available to help inform young trans people in making informed decisions.
Provides support to LGBTQ+ young people to help them empower themselves and for organisations working with LGBT+ youth communities.
National Guidance for Parents, Family and Friends
All websites above also have information and guidance for parents, family members, friends and allies. In addition parents, family members and friends can access:
They have advice for parents, children, staff and more Advice if you think your child might be LGBTQ+ (stonewall.org.uk)
A national voluntary organisation and charity dedicated to supporting parents and their lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans children.
Bullying
At the Marches we have a zero tolerance approach to all bullying (including LGBTQ phobic bullying). We treat all bullying extremely seriously and as a result there will be appropriate consequences given.
If students experience bullying they can report it anonymously via the Sharp System, speak to one of the LGBTQ+ ambassadors (wearing a rainbow lanyard), or report it to any member of staff who will inform Student Support and ensure it is dealt with correctly.
As an inclusive school, we welcome feedback from all our stakeholders. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the school reception who will put you in contact with the correct person.
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