what we do

AKT supports lgbtq+ young people aged 16-25 in the UK who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment.

We support young people into safe homes, employment, education, or training in a welcoming and open environment that celebrates lgbtq+ identities.

AKT helps young people: 

• Stay safe in a crisis 
• Find emergency accommodation
• Access specialist support 
• Develop skills, identify and achieve life goals

We do this by providing:

• Access to advice from one of our housing specialists
• Connection to a mentor for one-to-one support 
• Access to our emergency support pack or tenancy starter pack
• A safe place with one of our many housing provider partners 
• Access to life skills training, events and peer support networks 

Why we’re needed:

Coming out, or being outed as LGBTQ+, can lead to young people being made homeless. 24% of homeless young people identify as LGBTQ+.

Once homeless, LGBTQ+ young people are more likely to face violence and discrimination than young people who aren’t LGBTQ+. They’re also more likely to develop substance misuse issues and experience sexual exploitation. This can all take a huge toll on someone’s physical and mental health.

77% of the LGBTQ+ young people we work with believe coming out at home was the main factor in causing their homelessness, and so it’s vital that they are supported in an environment that is inclusive and celebrates their identities in order to improve their life outcomes.

Who we are

Founded in 1989, AKT was set up in Manchester by ally Cath Hall, a foster carer who found that many gay, lesbian and bisexual young people were not receiving the care and support they need and deserve. Find out more about our history here.

---

Why akt? Because no young person should have to choose between a safe home and being who they are.

Nationally: online support service regionally: service centres in the northwest, northeast, bristol and London providing homes, mentoring, training and support.

London

AKT

19-20 Parr Street

London

N1 7GW

General enquiries: 020 7831 6562
Referrals: click here

Accessibility: There is a small step into the building with an accessible bathroom on the ground floor.

---

Manchester

50 Oak Street
Northern Quarter
Manchester
M4 5JA

General enquiries: 0161 228 3308
Referrals: click here

Accessibility: Accessible space with accessible bathroom.

---

Newcastle

MEA House, Ellison Place
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8XS

Tel: 0191 281 0099
Accessibility: Fully accessible with a lift and ramps into the building; more information is listed here

---

Bristol

1st Floor,
St. Pauls Learning And Family Centre,
94 Grosvenor Rd,
St Paul’s,
Bristol BS2 8XJ

Tel: 07761246386 (this phone line is for enquiries about our service and support in the South West, for Fundraising enquiries please email supporters@akt.org.uk)
Referrals: click here

Email: bristol@akt.org.uk
Accessibility: Fully accessible with a lift and ramps into the building; more information is listed here

---