Healthy relationships and friendships
Healthy relationships feel safe, respectful, and balanced. You should feel able to be yourself without worrying that someone will judge you, pressure you, or make you feel small. A good friend or partner listens to you, respects your boundaries, and cares about how you feel. You do not have to change who you are to keep someone in your life. You deserve relationships that make you feel supported, not drained.

Consent and communication
Consent means that everyone involved freely agrees to what is happening. It must be clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing. You can change your mind at any time, even if you said yes before. Communication is part of consent. You can ask questions, say no, or say you are not ready. You never owe anyone physical affection, emotional labour, or explanations about your identity. 

Navigating crushes, dating, and first relationships
Crushes and first relationships can feel exciting, confusing, or intense. You might feel nervous about telling someone you like them or unsure how to talk about your identity. You can take things slowly and only share what feels safe. Dating should not feel like a test of your identity. You do not have to be fully sure of your label to explore feelings or relationships. You can stop at any point if something does not feel right.

Online safety and digital boundaries
Online spaces can be supportive, but they can also be risky. It is okay to keep parts of your identity private online. You can block or mute people who make you uncomfortable. You do not have to respond to messages straight away. Avoid sharing personal information, photos, or details that could put you at risk. If someone pressures you to send images, talk privately, or keep secrets, that is a sign to step back and seek support. https://thebeyouproject.co.uk/resources/online-safety/

Recognising red flags and getting support early
Red flags are signs that a relationship or friendship might be unsafe or unhealthy. These can include someone trying to control who you talk to, making you feel guilty for setting boundaries, ignoring your no, pushing you to move faster than you want, or making you feel responsible for their emotions. If something feels off, trust that feeling. You can talk to a youth worker, school counsellor, or trusted adult before things get worse. You deserve support early, not only when things feel serious. Galop offers free, confidential and independent support for LGBT+ young people aged 13 to 25 who have been affected by abuse. https://www.galop.org.uk/children-young-people

Looking after your emotional wellbeing
Your feelings matter. It is normal to feel stressed, overwhelmed, or unsure when you are exploring your identity or relationships. Looking after yourself can include taking breaks from social media, spending time with people who make you feel safe, doing activities that calm you, or talking to someone you trust. You do not have to handle everything alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Useful link with lots of contacts for mental health serices https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/lgbtqiaplus-mental-health/useful-contacts/