June 2021 - AKT
Before the pandemic, at Hoogah we hosted Charity of The Month - raising funds through a special addition to our pizza and cocktail menu where all profits made from our monthly specials go towards supporting our chosen charity.
June is Pride month across the world and in celebration we decided to support AKT as our Charity of the month. Showing our support towards the LGBTQ+ community - we like to think of Hoogah as a safe and accepting space, for anyone to come to and enjoy, regardless of their story.
AKT support young people into safe homes and employment, education or training, in a welcoming and open environment that celebrates lgbtq+ identities.
Founded in 1989, AKT was set up in Manchester by ally Cath Hall, a foster carer who found that many gay, lesbian and bisexual young people were not receiving the care and support they need and deserve.
AKT helps young people:
Stay safe in a crisis
Find emergency accommodation
Access specialist support
Develop skills, identify and achieve life goals
They do this by providing:
Access to advice from one of their housing specialists
Connection to a mentor for one-to-one support
Access to an emergency support pack or tenancy starter pack
Accommodation with a specially trained akt host
A place to stay at their Purple Door accommodation service
A safe place with one of their many housing provider partners
Access to life skills training, events and peer support networks
Why AKT are needed:
Coming out, or being outed as LGBTQ+, can lead to homelessness for certain people; 24% of homeless young people identify as LGBTQ+.
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, these outcomes can all take a huge toll on 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 are supported in an environment that is inclusive and celebrates their identities in order to improve their life outcomes.
For more information about AKT head over to their website.
Pizza of the Month - Basil oil base with vegan Cheese, topped with pickled Blackberries and Almond Ricotta
Cocktail of the Month - A non alcoholic cooler made from Cranberry Juice, Cinnamon Syrup and Mint shaken before being topped with sparkling Mate Tea.
