Shoppers are turning their attention to a new charity film as celebrities back LGBTQ+ youth support; the Proud Trust’s #DeserveBetter brings rugby winners, drag stars and household names together to spotlight bullying, mental health and the simple power of belonging.

Essential Takeaways

  • Big-name backing: A short film features 30+ public figures urging better support for LGBTQ+ young people, giving the campaign wide visibility and emotional weight.
  • Local voices, national reach: Welsh stars and UK personalities lend personal testimony, making the message feel immediate and relatable.
  • Practical support: The Proud Trust offers youth groups, mentoring, family services and education programmes to tackle isolation and bullying.
  • Emotional impact: Contributors stress that acceptance builds confidence and protects mental health , the campaign links that feeling to real outcomes.

A star-studded film that puts young people first

The campaign film gathered a surprising mix of faces , from a Rugby World Cup winner to a RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestant , and it’s the contrast that makes the message stick. The presence of well-known athletes and performers brings a lived-in warmth: you can almost feel the relief in their voices when they talk about acceptance. According to reports, the short film is central to The Proud Trust’s #DeserveBetter push, aiming to make support for LGBTQ+ youth more visible and immediate. For viewers this isn’t celebrity window-dressing, it’s testimony that acceptance matters.

Why personal testimony changes minds

When public figures who’ve walked different paths speak up, the message moves from abstract to human. The rugby star talks about confidence and achievement; the drag performer talks about the everyday courage of being yourself. That combination helps the campaign reach parents, teachers and young people who might otherwise switch off. The Proud Trust’s approach pairs narrative with practical resources, which means the film is both an appeal and a signpost to help.

The practical side: what The Proud Trust actually does

This isn’t just awareness for its own sake. The Proud Trust runs youth groups, mentoring schemes, family services and school programmes designed to reduce bullying and improve mental health. Those services are the scaffolding behind the campaign: film raises awareness, then the charity offers real, local support. If you’re a parent or teacher wondering what to do next, starting with local youth groups or school-based education programmes is a sensible first step.

Mental health, bullying and the case for early support

Campaigns like #DeserveBetter underline a hard fact: exclusion and bullying damage young people’s mental health. The film’s contributors link acceptance with confidence and resilience, which chimes with broader advice on supporting children who come out or struggle with identity. Practical measures , listening without judgement, finding local peer groups, and seeking professional support when needed , make a measurable difference. That’s the point the charity is nudging home.

How to back young people in your life right now

You don’t need a camera or a public profile to help. Simple actions make a big difference: offer a listening ear, learn about local LGBTQ+ youth services, and challenge bullying when you see it. Encourage families to use the charity’s mentoring and family services, and for schools to explore educational programmes that foster inclusion. Small, consistent gestures of acceptance add up.

It's a small change that can make every young person feel they truly belong.

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