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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 exists to give 16–25-year-olds who are LGBTQ+ and at risk of, or experiencing homelessness or a hostile living environment, the support they need to thrive.  

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.

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 

youth engagement programme

Through our youth engagement programme, our charity works across the country to provide opportunities to young people who are currently or have recently accessed akt support services.

We provide in-person and online spaces to meet other LGBTQ+ young people and be involved in youth groups, trips, events, and workshops. These are spaces to meet like-minded people and connect with the akt community.
find out more

the trans pathway project

The Trans Pathway Project is our 3 year pilot project funded by St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity, providing support to 18-25 year old trans and non-binary people in Greater Manchester who are facing homelessness.
find out more

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