The manager of Wales’ first LGBTQ+ supported accommodation project says she’s “absolutely desperate” for it to grow, as more LGBTQ+ young people face homelessness.
© Llamau
Based in Rhyl, Denbighshire, the Tŷ Pride project was set up by the youth homelessness charity Llamau, after research showed that young people within the LGBTQ+ community are four times more likely to become homeless than their non-LGBTQ+ peers.
Emma Evans is in charge of the three-bedroom property, which acts as a safe space for those that have been made homeless, or have been threatened with homelessness.
It was given the name ‘Tŷ Pride’ - meaning Pride House - by some of its former residents.
Emma said: “It's such a unique and special project, and there is such a huge need for more projects like this.”
Once a young person is referred, they move into the house and begin a programme of intense life skills support - immediately giving them structure and a routine. Residents learn to budget and cope with living alone, even how to register with a GP and a dentist. They can also take part in movie nights, walking groups, and other activities.
As space at Tŷ Pride is extremely limited, and each person’s stay is dependent on their individual needs. Those that cannot immediately move in are supported by one of the project’s key partners, Viva.
“We just really wish that we were bigger, and that we could grow so that we can just try and help as many youngsters as we can,” Emma continued. “We are desperate to grow, absolutely desperate, because we know that the need is there.”
Tŷ Pride’s launch in December 2019 followed the ‘Out On the Streets’ report into homelessness amongst young people, by End Youth Homelessness Cymru, which recommended the opening of specific LGBTQ+ supported accommodation projects.
Speaking recently to The Big Issue, Llamau’s Operational Director Sam Lewis said: “We knew that the percentage of LGBTQ+ people having to access our properties because of being homeless was increasing and the research backed up just how much of an issue it was.
“It also backed up just how much more vulnerable they were to discrimination, to family breakdown, to stigma and to the additional psychological harms that went alongside trying to be accepted in your community for being you.”
To date, nearly 50 people ranging from 16 to 25 have been referred to Tŷ Pride, from right across Wales. Those referrals have come from other third sector agencies, local authorities, mental health teams, homeless teams, social services, and child and adolescent services.
The team are in regular contact with Denbighshire County Council and North Wales Housing, trying to find new properties that they could take on, in order to increase the amount of young people they can support.
You can find out more about the project, and how to get support, on the Llamau website.