We’re delighted to announce Josh Wood as a new Patron of akt. Together, we’ve set an ambitious goal to unlock £1 million over the next five years to support akt’s work and reach even more LGBTQ+ young people who need us.
Josh Wood is a celebrated hair colourist, Co-Founder of Josh Wood Colour, and Vice-Chair of the British Beauty
Council. Known around the world for his artistry in colour and his belief that beauty should be inclusive and empowering, Josh has worked with icons including Victoria Beckham and Kylie Minogue, and continues to lead innovation through his brand, Josh Wood Colour.
His creativity, compassion and commitment to self-expression connect deeply with akt’s belief that every young person deserves to feel safe, proud, and completely themselves
“I’m proud to join akt, and I’m in it for the long run to help develop and deliver their mission. Everyone deserves to live safely, proudly, and completely as themselves.”
Josh Wood
Josh’s story makes this partnership especially meaningful. Growing up in a one-bedroom council flat in Barnsley, Yorkshire, Josh came out as gay as a teenager and often sofa-surfed while building his early career at Vidal Sassoon. His experiences of rejection, resilience and creativity have shaped his passion for helping young people find belonging, confidence and opportunity.
Josh Wood, akt patron said: “When I was young, I came out, left school without qualifications andfound my calling through the Youth Training Scheme. Beauty, expression and identity made me who I am today. It’s heartbreaking that in 2025, young people are still being rejected for being queer.”
The title of Patron recognises the significant and sustained support an individual gives to akt, their ongoing commitment to furthering our impact, and their dedication to helping LGBTQ+ young people facing homelessness. Josh Wood has been supporting akt for a number of years, most recently marching with us at London Pride.
akt CEO Adam Pemberton Wickham said: “The young people we support face homelessness, rejection and isolation. Josh understands how beauty, creativity and self-expression can help us reclaim identity and build community. We’re thrilled to welcome him as Patron and excited for his influence to help unlock £1 million over the next five years for some of the most overlooked young people in society.”
Our Patrons play a vital role in helping akt transform lives by offering their time, skills, networks, gifts and passion. We’re extremely grateful for their support.