Each December for some years now we have chosen to support a charity working in the field of homeless provision, by passing on giving from congregations on the first Sunday of December, the Community Carol Service, the Lessons and Carols and Christmas Day itself. This year we are supporting the work of a lesser known charity, The Albert Kennedy Trust.
The trust is named after a 16 year old young man who died after falling from a car park roof in Manchester in April 1989 whilst being chased by attackers: Albert was gay, a victim of abuse and homophobia. The LGBT community in the city then set about providing for the needs of other young gay people living in hostile environments or facing homelessness. Their work expanded to London in 1996 and to Newcastle in 2013. The charity reports that 62% of homeless gay young people have suffered parental rejection or abuse or violence within their own families or within the care system. The Trust works with volunteers who are able to offer a home to young people from a few nights up to a year or more. The generosity of our congregations is always much appreciated.
