ARTS & CRAFT FUNDRAISER FAIR FOR AKT CHARITY

Love your craft, or looking for something unique and handmade? Join us on the 8th of August to find work by established and emerging designers, wonderful vegan food supplied by us BREAD HEADS LDN, and raise money for the amazing charity akt.

akt is a national charity supporting LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 in the UK who are facing or 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.

Coming out, or being outed as LGBTQ+, can sadly lead to young people being made homeless – even in 2021. 24% of homeless young people are LGBTQ+, which is significantly disproportionate. 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 akt work with believe coming out at home was the main factor in causing their homelessness and so it's vital that they’re supported in an environment that’s inclusive and celebrates their identities in order to improve their life outcomes.

As Covid restrictions remain across the UK, akt has continued to see a high volume of young people needing support, either because they’re homeless or because their living situation at home is becoming increasingly volatile. They saw a 118% increase in new referrals from April – August in 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. akt are dedicated to being there for these young people, offering national virtual support via Live web chat, email, and telephone. You can find out more at www.akt.org.uk with their latest news found here https://www.akt.org.uk/Pages/News/