We want to empower young LGBT+ people around the UK. This year, 3 in 4 young LGBT+ people will face anti LGBT+ bullying. In this, LGBT+ young people are so much more likely to feel lonely on a daily basis and to worry about their mental health in comparison to their non-LGBT+ peers. Generally, young LGBT+ people still face unacceptable levels of bullying, leading to other aspects of their lives being impacted in negative ways.

Just Like Us is the charity for LGBT+ young people, and is a cause that’s really important to me. Here is a story which shows how Just Like Us can help LGBT+ young people across the UK.

"I grew up in a rural area where being openly gay was unimaginable and where there was a complete lack of LGBT+ role models and positive representation. I simply couldn’t imagine that someone could be LGBT+ and also have a happy and successful life. It was then, in 2016, when I joined Just Like Us as an LGBT+ ambassador. Not only am I helping future generations to grow up in a more accepting environment; but, over time, it has helped me to become the confident gay woman that I am today." - Laura, a JLU ambassador

Just Like Us does amazing work in our effort to improve the lives of young LGBT+ people. Our Ambassador Programme for LGBT+ young people aged 18–25 who speak (virtually, for now) in secondary schools and colleges about being themselves and receive mentoring, training and community support. Alongside our virtual school talks, we also run Pride Groups, a programme that creates safe and welcoming spaces for LGBT+ pupils and allies to socialise, reduce isolation and make their schools more inclusive.

The impact which this has is incredible! Last year alone, 137 new ambassadors were recruited, and we now work with JLU to help achieve our collective goal of LGBT+ empowerment and acceptance at school. Statistically, 85% of pupils who attend one of our school talks commit to taking steps to improve the lives of their LGBT+ peers.

We want to make these amazing impacts even better! This year, Lust Like Us is turning 5 years old. 5 is the age where most children will start school, and in our opinion, which LGBT+ education should start. In the next 5 years we aim and hope to reach 3 in 4 schools in the UK, and with your help, this aim of inclusion and education would become easier! Any donation is welcome, and most importantly, a step forward for our goals of empowerment and inclusion. It was once said that "Education is the passport to the future". We could not agree more. Help us in our aim of empowering and improving the lives of young LGBT+ people, making the future a brighter place for all.