Urgent ‘Save Our Space’ appeal launches

£10,000 needed by end of November to help save Bath & North East Somerset's only LGBTQ+ youth service

We’ve launched 'Save Our Space', an urgent fundraising appeal to help save Space, Bath & North East Somerset's only LGBTQ+ youth service. 

From now until Monday 30 November, we’re urging the local community to donate or to get in touch if they can help further, for example through fundraising events or raising awareness.

We provide free mental health and wellbeing support for more than 2,000 young people in the region every year, and we have run Space since 2012. Through our youth groups and 1:1 youth work, LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning+) young people aged 13-21 find safety, friendship and trusted adults who understand.

Space sees regular engagement from 30 young people each month, with a consistent influx of referrals from schools and health services. But with rising pressure on local funders, it is now facing a funding gap of £10,000.

Without urgent help from the local community and funders, we will have no choice but to reduce this vital service from March next year, something that Space service lead Georgia Coles-Riley is determined to avoid:

"Space is a lifeline. Young people know they are safe, can be themselves, get support if they need it, and meet others just like them.

"With so many of our young people exploring their identity for the first time, and often struggling with mental health, isolation, or even abuse, Space is a vital service, which must be protected."

This campaign is part of a wider, concerted effort to secure long-term funding for the service. Quartet Community Foundation is already supporting the service this autumn, and our team is actively approaching local and national funders to secure its future.

Young people who use Space shared why they believe the local community should get involved (their comments are shared anonymously to protect their identities):

"Space is like my family."

"Without Space I don't really have anywhere to go."

"Because of Space, I can be gay and not sad."

Donate and support Save Our Space

Every donation big or small will make a real difference. You can donate via our secure Give As You Live page.

With the clock ticking, we’d love for you to tell your friends, family and colleagues on social media and encourage them to donate. #SaveOurSpace.

Space is theirs, help us save it!