LGBT charity faces backlash over self-harm guidance claims

A whistleblower has revealed that an LGBT charity in Scotland, LGBT Youth Scotland, instructed volunteers to ask children about using "clean razor blades" for self-harm. This claim has raised serious concerns about the charity’s approach to helping vulnerable youths. The whistleblower, who wanted to volunteer, found the guidelines distressing and described them as "shocking and callous." They reported that the charity suggested it was wrong to stop children from self-harming if they viewed it as a coping mechanism. When the volunteer raised concerns, their issues were dismissed by the charity’s managers. LGBT Youth Scotland defends its stance, arguing that some children might not have other coping strategies. However, the whistleblower worried that advising the use of clean blades could be seen as encouraging self-harm among at-risk youth. In response to the complaint, the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) initially opened an inquiry but later dropped it after the charity claimed it had reviewed its policies. The charity receives substantial public funding, including over £1 million a year, which raises further questions regarding oversight. LGBT Youth Scotland has a controversial history, having faced scrutiny in the past related to allegations of child exploitation linked to a former chief executive. Despite serious allegations and ongoing investigations, funding from government and local authorities has continued. Concerns have been voiced by critics, including politicians, about the charity's funding, especially in light of its troubled past and the current allegations. They believe that funding should be reconsidered until the charity addresses these serious issues comprehensively.