CS6086 Specialist Youth Services - LGBTQ+

Tower Hamlets Council is committed to strengthening dedicated support for LGBTQ+ children and young people across the borough, ensuring they have access to safe, inclusive spaces where they can participate in meaningful activities, explore their identities without judgement, and receive appropriate support from trained youth practitioners. Improving outcomes for LGBTQ+ young people aligns closely with the priorities set out in the Young Tower Hamlets Strategy 2025-2027, recognising the need for environments that foster belonging, promote wellbeing and resilience, and actively challenge discrimination. Significant investment has already been directed towards enhancing youth provision, and the Council's ambition to develop ward‑level delivery models represents an important step in ensuring that LGBTQ+ young people can access support locally, without barriers or stigma. The commissioned Specialist LGBTQ+ Youth Provision will focus on delivering high‑quality centre‑based support in wards where specific LGBTQ+ youth services are not currently available. The programme will provide free, accessible, and well‑publicised activities for young people aged 11-19 (and up to 25 where appropriate), embedding inclusive practice and ensuring that all young people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression are welcomed and supported. This includes facilitating opportunities for personal development, peer connection, community building, and access to relevant health, wellbeing, and safeguarding support. The successful provider will be required to operate from a designated building within each ward or service lot, using either their own venue or a suitable leased space. The accessibility, inclusivity, and safeguarding arrangements of the proposed venue will form a key part of the tender evaluation. Providers must demonstrate the capability to deliver culturally competent, trauma‑informed, and LGBTQ+‑affirming youth work, ensuring that every space is safe, confidential, and empowering for young people across Tower Hamlets.