An increasing number of young LGBT people are facing nights out sleeping
rough because they have nowhere else to go, according to a report from
homeless charity Nightstop North East.


The charity, which is part of the national organisation Depaul UK, helps young
homeless people aged 16–25 to find a safe place to stay for the night by
placing them with a member of the community. They also host safe emergency
accommodation for vulnerable young people.


Volunteer coordinator Joe Kirwin says: ‘What this means in practice is that
hosts provide a warm bed for the night, an evening meal, a place of safety
and a listening ear.


‘On average, one in four homeless people are LGBT, and despite changes
in society and young LGBT people feeling comfortable to come out at an
early age, the reality is that when they do, they are still greeted with the same
level of homophobia and transphobia at home or school. It is estimated that
around 60 per cent of young people become homeless as a result of family
breakdown.’

Nightstop volunteers range from families and couples to single people living
on their own. They are always fully vetted and receive out-of-pocket expenses,
training and support. No previous experience is needed – just a spare room
and a desire to help a young person going through a rough time.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer host or would
just like more information please visit their website, call 0191 253 6161
or email nightstopne@depauluk.org.

Meanwhile, London based LGBT homeless charity The Albert Kennedy Trust
(AKT) has awarded legal firm Linklaters LLP its Corporate Supporter of the
Year award, recognising the fundraising and support the firm has provided in
the past 12 months.

Help from Linklaters has included offering pro-bono legal support, hosting the
AKT’s youth conference, and HR support, including the facilitation of AKTs first
staff survey, review of policies and providing a staff member to sit on the trust’s
HR working group.

Richard Hodgson, banking partner and co-chair of Linklaters’ LGBT Network,
said: ‘Our relationship with AKT has gone from strength to strength. This is due
in no small part to our active volunteers both across the LGBT network and
around the office in London. We’re only too happy to use our resources to help
vulnerable young people and hope that our ongoing relationship continues to
support them.’

Source: "sosogay.co.uk"