5 ways that schools can create safe spaces for everyone to ‘come as they are’

Creating safe spaces in schools where pupils feel valued and heard can promote a sense of belonging.  

LGBTQ+ children and young people experience poor mental health at a disproportionate rate. They are also at a higher risk of developing anxiety.

For an LGBTQ+ child or young person, going to school may feel like an extra burden. They may feel misunderstood, worry about being bullied, or even feel uncomfortable being themselves.

1. Create a collaborative art piece which can be displayed in the school

Creating a collaborative art piece to display is a great way to encourage teamwork among pupils and celebrate diversity in the school.

Students from Place2Be's partner school, Tynecastle High, came together to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community by creating a collaborative collage called 'The Hearts of Support'.

Pupils from each year group were asked to write encouraging and supportive messages on different coloured paper-shaped hearts.

These messages were then arranged into a rainbow collage on the school's notice board to show everyone is welcome.

2. Have a dedicated LGBTQ+ section in the school library

Books written from different perspectives and experiences can expose us to important social issues and help us develop a better understanding of them.

To ensure that everyone is fully represented in the school community, some of our partner schools in Scotland have created LGBTQ+ sections or corners in their school library. These sections are made up of old and new LGBTQ+ books, LGBTQ+ authors, and fictional books that feature LGBTQ+ characters.

Some students may feel self-conscious about being seen with LGBTQ+ books. Adding rainbow stickers inside book covers can be an excellent way to remind children and young people from the LGBTQ+ that they are seen and valued.

3. Raise money for an LGBTQ+ charity

Hosting a school fundraising event and raising money for an LGBTQ+ charity can show the school’s alliance and commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. A fundraising event can also be a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness and learn about the issues and worries that young LGBTQ+ people experience.  

Some fundraising examples suggested by our partner schools include:   

• hosting a coffee morning
• having a bake sale
• organising a non-uniform day 
• watching an LGBTQ+ film in school.  

4. Deliver an LGBTQ+ presentation

Delivering presentations in assemblies or inviting external speakers to talk about LGBTQ+ can be a good way of helping students to develop an understanding of what LGBTQ+ can look like.

Some of our school-based counsellors have worked with the school to deliver presentations for assemblies covering different LGBTQ+ themes, including: 

• the different LGBTQ+ terms and meanings
• how to be an ally and more inclusive to LGBTQ+ peers
• the challenges and issues the LGBTQ+ community face
• challenging homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. 

5. Be proactive with LGBTQ+ resources

Displaying relevant LGBTQ+ information and resources around the school that pupils can access creates an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.   

Some of our Place2Be partner schools in Scotland are doing this by: 

• listening to pupils from the LGBTQ+ community, and valuing their voice and opinions
• placing rainbow flags around the school  
• using the rainbow logo on letterheads and letter slips
• displaying posters and leaflets around the school that signpost to LGBTQ+ organisations and charities
• setting up an LGBTQ+ group
• celebrating key dates, such as Pride Month.