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35 years supporting lgbtq+ young people

akt has been providing providing routes to safe housing, support and secure futures for LGBTQ+ young people since 1989. We are a UK-wide charity with centres in four major cities.

how akt began

In 1989, Cath Hall and six volunteers founded akt in Manchester. Named after Albert Kennedy, who tragically lost his life after facing homophobic abuse, the trust began as a refuge for queer young people in the city.
What would I tell a young person? Be proud of who you are and don’t be afraid to tell somebody.
Cath Hall, founder of akt

our story

akt was founded by Cath Hall in Manchester in 1989 at the height of the AIDS crisis. Cath was an experienced foster carer and activist. A queer ally, she witnessed the difficult choices young queer people were forced to make between living in safety and living in their truth.
Some [LGBTQ+ people] had horrific experiences in care and had mostly been running away
Cath Hall, founder of akt
Cath and a small, dedicated group of activists made it their mission to give LGBTQ+ young people the support they vitally needed.

  • 24

    %

    of homeless young people

    Identify as LGBTQ+.

  • 77

    %

    believe that coming out

    to their parents was the main factor.

akt is the only national charity dedicated to providing support for LGBTQ+ young people who are either at risk of homelessness or currently experiencing it. Shockingly, statistics reveal that 24% of homeless individuals aged 16-25 identify as LGBTQ+.

Unlike their heterosexual or cisgender counterparts, LGBTQ+ individuals often find themselves homeless precisely because of their identity, making them vulnerable to precarious housing situations. Our new research shows you are twice as likely to become homeless if you are LGBTQ+.

Our mission is clear: to offer essential services that cater to the specific needs of LGBTQ+ youth, ranging from emergency housing advice to finding your community.

We support LGBTQ+ young people by providing routes into safe, affordable, long-term housing, as well as actions around employability, mental health, community building, youth engagement and healthcare.

Between April 2023 – May 2024, we supported 791 LGBTQ+ young people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness or a hostile living environment.

No one should have to choose between a safe home and being who they are.

diverse group of friends

when a lgbtq+ young person reaches out to our charity they will be assigned a caseworker

akt’s caseworkers offer 1-1 specialised support depending on a young persons circumstances.

Between April 2023 – March 2024, our caseworkers provided our young people with: 

  • 10,880 housing actions 
  • 2,262 financial information actions  
  • 2,541 actions regarding health, disability and neurodivergence
  • 1,692 actions regarding identity and culture  
  • 1,056 educations, employment and training actions 

case studies

find out more about the stories of LGBTQ+ young people who have accessed akt's services.

asif’s story

Find out more about Asif's story and journey with akt.

asif’s story

charlie’s story

Find out more about Charlie's journey with akt and The Trans Pathway Project.

charlie’s story

ella’s story

Find out more about Ella's journey with akt.

ella’s story

35 years of support

In 35 years, we’ve created a national network of safe places and digital support services. Our relationships with other incredible charities allow us to support thousands of young people every year.
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  • 1989

    akt founded as Albert Kennedy Trust

  • 1996

    akt wins the Stonewall Equality Award

  • 2019

    30 years of supporting LGBTQ+ young people