Charlie Jordin, Digital Officer at akt

In case you haven’t heard of us, akt supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 who are facing or experiencing homelessness, or struggling at home. We’re based in Manchester, London, Newcastle and Bristol (but if you’re based outside of these areas we can still offer advice and support.)

We have an online chat on our website where you can get in touch with us over message - we know how daunting making phone calls can be and we want to make it easy and stress-free to get in touch! The usual hours are 10am-5pm, but if you’re messaging outside of these times you can leave a message and we’ll get back in touch. It’s run by Lara who has a decade of experience working with young people facing homelessness and interlinking issues to do with mental health, substance misuse or coming out. Lara lives with her partner Maddy and their cats Buffy and Angel. 

Young people can speak to Lara confidentially and anonymously. We can offer advice - emergency or not - refer you to akt’s services or signpost you to other services - or just listen.

You might also know a friend who might need our support - have they mentioned having arguments with their parents, or are they sofa-surfing? Are they scared to come out to their parents? Let them know we’re here for them if they need us. 

We want you to know that we’re here for you. There are people who understand what you’re going through and we can help. Today, next week, always.