News: edpsy festival supporting the work of AKT for LGBTQ+ young people
We’re absolutely delighted to have raised £1,200 for AKT from ticket sales to the first Festival of Educational Psychology.
One of our key aims for the festival was for it to be an event that supported our community, but also vulnerable groups, like LGBTQ+ young people who are made homeless or living in hostile environments.
24% of homeless young people identify as LGBT, and choosing to support AKT was an easy decision given the increasingly hostile and dangerous environment for trans young people in particular, who can face additional barriers to accessing accommodation in their time of need.
How the money will help LGBTQ+ young people
We spoke to Evie, Fundraising managed for AKT, who shared how the money raised will support young people:
Your support will directly help another two young people as they take their first steps towards independent living. With £1,200 we can distribute approximately two rainbow starter pack grants – these grants do not have to be paid back and can be spent on anything the young person needs to set up their new home or start their new job. Often, the grant contributes towards deposit costs or the first month’s rent, but young people have also spent it on furniture, white goods, work clothes and even bicycles and scooters. We like to think of this grant as the sort of support young people might receive from parents and guardians when they move into a new house or start university.
Thank you so much for choosing akt as your charity, and for helping to give another two young people access to the support and the resources they need as they start the next stage of their lives.
Evie, AKT
More about AKT
akt is the national LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity supporting young people aged 16-25 in the UK who are experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment. They support young people into safe homes and employment, education or training, in a welcoming and open environment that celebrates LGBTQ+ identities.
You can further supporting the work of AKT by donating here.
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