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You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
Hi there,
Thank you for your letter. Such a lot has happened since November and Im so glad that you decided to write to me.
Coming out is about being honest with yourself and those around you. It takes a lot of courage. I imagine that deciding to tell your mum that youre gay was a big step for you and that it was hurtful for her to ask you to leave.
Its good that youve been able to access income support and find a safe place to live with the Foyer organisation. There is support out there for young people in your situation, but that doesnt mean its easy to cope. Everyone has rights they help us stay safe and get fair treatment. By becoming homeless at age 16, you may be entitled to help with money, housing, education, training and support from social services. Your local council or housing advisor will be able to tell you about housing support for under 18s.
There are organisations that can put you in touch with people who can offer help and support to young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Stonewall have a section on their website called Whats in my area and you can search the database to find local groups, legal advice and organisations near you.
Theres also an organisation called PACE that offers a free and confidential counselling service for young LGBT people under the age of 19.
I can hear that you miss your family and coming to terms with the situation sounds very tough to deal with. You dont have to cope with all of this on your own and we would really like to be able to support you in the best way that we can.
You can contact ChildLine about anything and at any time for confidential help and support. There are different ways to talk to a ChildLine counsellor.
Its taken a lot of courage to write this letter and whenever youd like to talk, there will be someone at ChildLine to listen.
Take care,
Sam
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
You can ask me about anything you want, there's nothing too big or small. I read every single letter but I can only answer a few each week. My replies are published here on my page.