Story
I will be running the Manchester Half Marathon on Sunday 4 October and have decided to raise money for a group of LGBTQ+ charities that are finalists in the 2026 Queer Student Awards. I'm hoping to raise £1,000 in total which I will split equally between the charities.
THE PROUD TRUST
The Proud Trust’s top priority is improving the lives of LGBTQ+ young people. Through their regional youth work and national support services, they empower LGBTQ+ young people and the adults in their lives to create positive change for the future. Their work is building a safer environment for LGBTQ+ young people to thrive and achieve their full potential in all the spaces they exist. They do this because they believe all LGBTQ+ young people deserve to live happy, fulfilling lives.
https://www.theproudtrust.org/
SEXPRESSION:UK
Sexpression:UK is a near-peer independent UK charity with the goal of empowering young people to make decisions about relationships and sex by running informal and comprehensive RSHE in the community. They are committed to creating a world where all young people have access to accurate and empowering RSHE, enabling them to make informed choices and lead healthy lives.
https://www.sexpression.org.uk/
SPACE YOUTH PROJECT
Space Youth Project has been supporting young LGBT+ people and their families since 2001. They started with one group based in Bournemouth and over the years, Space has grown and grown! They now have seven regular, free youth groups across Dorset which are open to any lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or questioning (LGBT+) young person under the age of 25! They also offer one-to-one support, family support, workshops for schools, colleges or youth groups, and professional training.
https://www.spaceyouthproject.co.uk/
X2Y
X2Y is a charity dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ youth aged 11-25 in Wolverhampton and the Black Country. They create safe, inclusive spaces that celebrate authentic voices and foster joy and friendship. Through community engagement and support, they strive to ensure every young person feels valued and heard.
