Seminar in Des Moines addresses suicide prevention for GLBT youth

An upcoming seminar at a Des Moines church will offer support for suicide prevention in the gay, lesbian, transgendered and questioning youth community. Scheduled for 7-9 p.m. at the Saltwater Unitarian Universalist Church, the seminar will discuss how adults working with teens can better understand the factors putting these youth at a higher risk for suicide or self harm. It also will outline resources for getting help for LGBTQ teens, and what people can do to support these teens in their struggle for identity and acceptance by others. “If we increase support for them, it will reduce the risks,” said Heather Carter, of the Seattle-based Youth Suicide Prevention Program, who will be leading the seminar. The program is geared toward people who work with teenagers – everyone from educators and school administrators, to the church community and to parents themselves.