Stoke-on-Trent's first LGBTQ+ & homelessness support hub launched

Honeycomb Group's homelessness charity Concrete has launched an LGBTQ+ support hub for local people facing homelessness and complex needs.

The Phoenix support hub will officially launch on April 10.

The service will deliver tailored support for people struggling with problems relating to their sexuality and gender, alongside homelessness, multiple disadvantages and complex needs.

Phoenix will begin delivering support via a dedicated telephone line twice a week. This will then progress to group meetings and in-person sessions across Stoke-on-Trent.

The service will be run by both Concrete staff and volunteers, with the aim of filling a gap in homelessness support within the LGBTQ+ community. Service Manager Dean will head up the service on behalf of Concrete.

Dean said: “We’re really proud of the support hub and so excited to launch it and watch it grow. We’ve got big ambitions and can’t wait to get started.”

Peer Mentor Sterling has used his lived experience of homelessness, and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, to help form the support hub.

He added: “At Phoenix, we’re here to provide practical and emotional support, tailored to each person’s individual needs.

“We believe that everyone has the right to be who they are and be accepted – no matter what they’ve been through.

“At Phoenix we celebrate individuality and any expression of that individuality.”

Phoenix will run a twice weekly telephone support line every Monday and Friday, 12pm to 4pm, starting from April 10. Call 07386 034137 to get in touch. Click here to find out more about Phoenix and Concrete.