Actor Russell Tovey, singer and actress Heather Peace and Paralympian Claire Harvey become patrons of The Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT), the LGBT youth homelessness charity.
Sir Ian McKellen, a current patron said; “Welcome to our new Patrons. Their commitment will encourage others to contribute in whatever way they can to the essential work that the Albert Kennedy Trust does, on behalf of LGBT young people who desperately need help and protection.”
Many of the young people supported by the charity have experienced rejection, abuse or violence.
Russell Tovey most recently seen in the hit US show Looking said; “The AKT helps thousands of young people every year find their footing again. Everyone deserves to live safe and supported and this charity changes lives for the better, daily. I am honored to be associated with them and if just by being there, I can make any difference at all, then that difference is the most important thing”
Heather Peace, a long-time supporter of AKT regularly attending fundraisers, added; “AKT is a lifeline for the young people it helps. No one should be made homeless because of his or her sexuality or gender identity but it is happening all too frequently. AKT offers both emotional and practical support and I’ve met some of the young people they’ve helped to turn their lives around and they were so inspiring.”
Claire Harvey, who is also the Senior Diversity and Inclusion Consultant for KPMG, concluded; “Most of us remember how hard it was being comfortable in our own identity even within a nurturing environment. It saddens me that so many of our young LGBT people, full of potential and promise are facing rejection, isolation, fear and danger purely because of being authentic to themselves. Not to mention so many adults who are losing the love and connection to their family members out of fear or ignorance.”
The Albert Kennedy Trust has also added five new members to their board of trustees, which will boost the charity’s ability to take on new challenges, help more young LGBT people facing homelessness because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and work towards meeting the charities aspirations for helping young people nationally.
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