Tailored support for young LGBTQIA+ communities

The Alphabet Collective supports the social and emotional wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ communities in Leeds, including those who may be questioning their sexuality or gender identity. They had a Microgrant from The Leeds Fund, which they used to run a weekly social support group for LGBTQIA+ young people. 

 

Can you tell us a bit about The Alphabet Collective?  

The Alphabet Collective (AC) is a Queer led community group which aims to provide a welcoming and affirming environment for intersectional LGBTQIA+ communities. The space is open to any individuals in Leeds and the surrounding area, aged 18-25 who identify as LGBTQIA+, including those who may be questioning their sexuality and/or gender identity. We centre and celebrate all forms of Queer joy at The AC, and aim to empower the social and emotional well-being of LGBTQIA+ people. 

  

What has funding from The Leeds Fund Microgrants enabled you to do? 

The Leeds Fund Microgrants has enabled us to support young LGBTQIA+ communities by delivering group sessions and one to one support.  

Gaining the Microgrant has meant that The AC could meet weekly to engage in creative, social and recreational activities and hold discussion based support groups surrounding identity, well-being, and Queer heritage. We’ve been able to engage in more outreach work and attend monthly skating sessions, through which group members have gained confidence and transferable skill sets. 

  

Can you tell us about the impact of what you do on the people you work with? 

As well as building resilience, our young people have increased their access to healthcare, housing, education, food banks, and opportunities to gain skills and socialise. We have seen social isolation decrease amongst our group members, including more engagement with local services and spaces to make new friends and have fun. 

  

What are some of the biggest challenges you face as an organisation?  

One of the biggest challenges for us is mitigating the impact that austerity measures can have on LGBTQIA+ youth, such as the cost of living crisis, anti-trans legislation and reduced services and access to affirming experiences and healthcare for Queer, trans and non-binary communities.

  

How is your organisation preparing for the future, and what kind of funding is needed? 

We have the view to establish ourselves as a registered charity and a key LGBTQIA+ service in Leeds. 

We have secured a National Lottery grant and in the next couple of months we will be creating opportunities for volunteering and employment within The AC, expanding our service user base and engaging in more creative projects.

 

If you’d like to play your part in supporting local Community Organisations like The Alphabet Collective, consider donating to The Leeds Fund today.