A toolkit to help nurses support lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) young people who are at risk of suicide has been launched by PHE and the RCN.
The toolkit is specifically aimed at practice and school nurses. It aims to develop nurses' skills and knowledge about the mental health in relation to LGBT+ sexual orientation and identity. It will also provide an outline over suicide prevention strategies for LGB young people.
Dr Peter Carter, chief executive of the RCN, said: 'Suicide in any situation is a tragedy and nurses have a duty to identify risk factors and prevent suicide wherever possible. The RCN is dedicated to addressing the problems facing lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Our ambition for this toolkit is to help nurses deliver the best possible care to LBG young people experiencing mental health issues, in order to help save lives across the UK.
Professor Kevin Fenton, national director of health and wellbeing at PHE, said: 'Recent evidence shows there has been a rise in self-harm and suicide rates among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual youths. We know this is an area that local health and wellbeing boards are also keen to address and we are pleased to be working with the RCN, and a wide network of community stakeholders, to tackle the issue.'
The RCN has said that nurses are well placed to support LGB young people who have not accessed mental health services. the toolkit using research and evidence to provide insight into the experiences of LGB young people. It also uses practical advice and resources issues such as risk factors, confidentiality, consent, and communication.
Dr Carter added: 'This toolkit should help to highlight an important and often overlooked issue, and should ultimately be integrated into the National Suicide Prevention Strategy to ensure LGB young people receive the support they deserve.'
A report from the National Aids Trust found that 99% of LGB teenagers had received abuse from school mates due to their sexual orientation, and a study by METRO Centre found that 44% of LGB youth had considered suicide, while 50% had self harmed.