This November, I'll be taking part in Lloyds Banking Group's Signature Charity Challenge: a challenging trek in the Indian Himalayas in support of our current charity partner, Crisis - the UK charity working to end homelessness.

I'm doing this for a reason that's personal to me. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I'm acutely aware that LGBTQ+ individuals are disproportionately affected by homelessness. Shockingly, almost one in five LGBTQ+ people have experienced homelessness in their lifetime, and although we make up only 3-5% of the UK population, LGBTQ+ individuals make up nearly a quarter (24%) of the youth homelessness population - often driven by family rejection, abuse, or being forced to leave home. Years ago, I saw the impact of this first-hand when my ex-partner (only 21 at the time) was thrown out of home by his own mother. I'll never forget the fear, uncertainty and mental toll of that period of hidden homelessness - and I only wish we'd known then about organisations like Crisis that help people find safety, stability and a route forward.

The trek itself will be no small ask: 15-20km a day (up to 8 hours), through remote mountainous terrain reaching 3000m in altitude, and staying in basic lodges or camping, all in cold weather. But it won't even come close to the challenge of not knowing where you'll sleep tonight.

I'm aiming to raise at least £4000 for this amazing cause. Your donation will help expand the Changing Lives Grant Programme, strengthen support across Crisis' nine Skylight centres (which provide housing advice, job skills and health & wellbeing support), and also support Simon Community in Northern Ireland - helping more people rebuild their lives and secure a stable home.

If you can donate (and/or share my page), I'd be hugely grateful. Every pound raised is a step closer to ending homelessness for good.

Thank you for your support 🙂

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A bit more about our charity partnership:

Crisis, Lloyds Banking Group and Simon Community believe everyone should have a safe and secure place to call home.

Our ambitious partnership will improve access to truly affordable, high quality homes and support those who have experienced homelessness with tailored support to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential.

Together, we have surpassed £4.9 million in fundraising from the partnership. This is an incredible achievement but we can't stop here. More people than ever across the UK are facing homelessness and are in need of our support.

Homelessness is not inevitable, together we can end it.