The Albert Kennedy Trust launch winter appeal with ‘Ben’s Story’
The Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT)
launched Ben’s Story earlier this week which is the latest in a powerful series of the ‘No Room For Hate’ campaign videos.
The new video highlights the essential support and protection that LGBT youth homeless, or those living in hostile environments, need.
The Trust hopes to raise awareness of LGBT youth homelessness which is currently numbered at around 4,800 un the UK alone.
The latest video by AKT was produced by internationally renowned film-maker Phil Griffin and its a powerful reminder of the hardship many LGBT people face.
Ben Chesters, a young LGBT man from Newcastle, features in the video who AKT was able to support and help.
Tim Sigworth, the Chief Executive of AKT, said: “Sadly, Ben’s story is not unusual. Here at The Albert Kennedy Trust we hear stories like Ben’s on a daily basis. In most cases young people have been driven out of their family homes because of parental rejection, abuse from within the family, and aggression or violence.”
“It’s unacceptable. With Winter on the horizon, AKT is about to enter its busiest time, and we need people’s support more than ever. There should be no room for hate.”
The Albert Kennedy Trust are encouraging people to give what they can at www.akt.org.uk/noroomforhate.
Donating £5 will provide a young person with a mobile phone top-up to ensure they have access to support wherever they are. While donating £25 will provide a young person with an emergency support pack including everything they need to keep safe for one night.
Donations to the Winter appeal will also go towards developing inter-AKT, a unique online support service for vulnerable young LGBT people.
AKT provides safe homes – from emergency accommodation, to homes with Carers, mentoring, training and support to young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
For more information please contact Grahame Robertson, Communications Officer at The Albert Kennedy Trust at Grahame@akt.org.uk, or call 07979 265466.