GISDA Gwynedd has received £100,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund to support a special club for young people from the LGBT+ community and create new jobs.

GISDA’s LGBT+ Club, which meets in Caernarfon every other week, wants to develop clubs in other areas, starting with Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Supporting young people aged 14 to 25 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans, GISDA aims to support and empower LGBT+ young people by offering a safe place that accepts and values who they are and promotes their health and well-being.

Following a successful National Lottery bid, the group wants to establish a new club in Blaenau so young people do not have to travel.

Sian Elen Tomos, GISDA’s chief executive said: “The additional funding will make a huge difference, will provide a solid foundation for this much needed service in Gwynedd and will enable us to raise awareness and educate others of the needs and barriers faced by LGBT+ young people.

“We hope to develop clubs in other parts of Gwynedd, starting in Blaenau Ffestiniog. We will also train club members to be young mentors and play a leading role in the running of the club.

“Lockdown has been extremely difficult for young people in general. It has been very challenging for young people from the LGBT+ community who rely on clubs and peers to get support to understand their feelings and barriers. The club has been closed for nine months but we have resumed face-to-face support this month, following the appropriate social distancing rules.

“This funding will enable us to run a project for two years and to employ one full time and one part time job.”

Ruth Bates, head of North Wales region for The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “GISDA is doing amazing work in Gwynedd, giving intensive support and opportunities for the county’s young people.

“We owe a big thank you to National Lottery players for making it possible to fund projects, especially at this challenging time when that support and care is needed more than ever.”