HouseProud-LGBT

Stonewall Housing Impact Report 2023 - 2024 I am so proud to see the launch of our report which highlights the reality of LGBTQ+ homelessness in the UK, using data collected through our direct work last year. I am super proud of the remarkable progress we have made together - we have seen a 33% increase in the number of LGBTQ+ people we have been able to help which is both something for us to celebrate and a damning reflection on the growing need for safe housing for those within our communities. In the context of this increased need, our commitment to expanding our reach and helping as many LGBTQ+ people as we can has been strengthened. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to address the unique needs of the most vulnerable among us, from other LGBTQ+ individuals facing isolation, to trans and gender non conforming people who encounter systemic discrimination on a daily basis. We cannot do this work alone, your continued support, whether through donations, volunteering or spreading the word is vital to our success. Together we can build a future where every LGBTQ+ indivdual has the safety, security and sense of belonging they deserve. Thank you for standing with us and for being a part of this incredible journey. #stonewallhousing #lgbtqia #homelessness #impact #collaboration #workingtogether #partnerships #supporters https://lnkd.in/gzS_bX6f

What an insightful and enjoyable start to the day 💡 Earlier this morning, I attended the House Proud Breakfast Briefing - 100 Days of a New Government - what is the impact for Housing and Diversity? It was great to hear immediate insights into the budget by Bethan Buck (she/her) of the National Housing Federation and the small wins we have seen in housing, but sadly in many areas not going far enough with no mention of supported housing in the budget. We saw the chancellor commit to a 5 year rent settlement of which consultation starts today and the NHF is pushing for 10 years so it will be interesting to see the progress with this. It was a privilege to hear from Barry Boffy MBE, FIEDP to get his thoughts on the governments approach to diversity and how housing providers can improve in this space. And linking back to the LGBTQ+ Housing pledge by HouseProud-LGBT and Stonewall Housing, for organisations to make a conscious effort to ensure our community leaders, housing officers and colleagues working directly with the residents - know, understand and live by the pledge as this where the culture of the organisation shines through and our residents can see if we truly practice what we preach. A huge thank you to Miles Lanham CIHCM for hosting this event, and also to Chris Struthers for highlighting the importance of enhancing inclusivity through planning and the need to protect cultural venues from development pressures. Finally, it is always great to catch up with with old colleagues and connections, and I am very happy to have seen Pamela Sinnott and Alexandra Duffy - thank you HouseProud for creating such an inclusive and positive event today and look forward to future sessions! If you want to find out more about HouseProud - check out their website here: https://lnkd.in/ebkKHiSp #HouseProud #Inclusion #Diversity #Support #Budget #housing #LGBTQ+ #Networking #conference

I'm excited to announce that I’ve been appointed a trustee of Stonewall Housing, the leading national charity supporting LGBTQ+ people of all ages who live in the UK and are experiencing homelessness or living in an unsafe environment. According to Stonewall Housing, nearly one in five LGBTQ+ individuals in the UK face homelessness at some point in their lifetime and a staggering 77% of people attribute this to family rejection.  My own coming out story wasn’t the best and throughout my career, I’ve channeled my energy to try and support LGBTQ+ people in their housing situation. I first became aware of Stonewall Housing a number of years ago, when together with Clarion Housing Group colleagues, HouseProud-LGBT and the University of Surrey, I helped to deliver No Place Like Home, the largest study ever undertaken to understand LGBTQ+ experiences of social housing.  The research benefited from a huge amount of goodwill in the sector, including support from L&Q, Notting Hill Genesis, Southern Housing, Anchor, Riverside and the Mayor of London.  This work resulted in the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge Scheme, which all social housing providers can sign up to in order to demonstrate their commitment to LGBTQ+ resident equality and support.  Stonewall Housing is now the delivery partner of the Pledge and over 40 housing providers have signed up to it. Since becoming a trustee, I have had the pleasure to meet some of the Stonewall Housing Ambassadors who have lived experience of homelessness and have previously accessed Stonewall Housing services.  Their stories of resilience are truly inspiring and they now use these experiences to help fundraise and grow the profile of the organisation.  I’ve also met many of the Stonewall Housing staff members who have welcomed me with open arms.  Their dedication is second to none and their work is making a difference to peoples’ lives every day.  As a trustee, I will aim to take a leaf out of their book and do everything possible to help ensure that every LGBTQ+ person has a safe place to call home. 

Well now you can!  *if you’re 55 or older* 😉 Today we are so thrilled to announce our first two rental properties at Tonic@Bankhouse, the UK’s first LGBTQ+ affirming retirement community 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ To get all the info and apply, head to: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ejSgtp2m 🚩 Deadline for applications for these properties is 10th October @ 5pm. #tonichousing #tonic #lgbt #lgbtq #elders #retirement #community #care

We are pleased to announce the following fourteen organisations have been awarded the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge 'Pioneer Status'. - Anchor - Gloucester City Homes - Islington Council - Notting Hill Genesis - Orbit Group - Orwell Housing Association - Peter Bedford Housing Association - Places for People - Quo Vadis Trust - Riverside - Royal Borough of Greenwich - Sir Josiah Mason Trust - SNG (Formerly Network Homes) SNG (Sovereign Network Group) - Soho Housing Association To earn Pioneer Status, these organisations were able to meet our requirements for creating a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ residents, setting a benchmark for others in the sector to follow. This award underscores their dedication to fostering inclusivity, tackling the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people in social housing, and eliminating discrimination. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/esUNPwJV About the Pledge Scheme The LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge scheme, by HouseProud-LGBT and delivered by Stonewall Housing, provides a comprehensive framework for social landlords to demonstrate their commitment to creating inclusive and safe environments for LGBTQ+ residents. The scheme is free and open to all social landlords in the UK. #Housing #SocialHousing #LGBTQIA #HousingPledge #NationalInclusionWeek #ImpactMatters