A new web chat service launched today by Stonewall Housing will offer expert advice and guidance to LGBTQ+ people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Stonewall Housing is the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ homelessness charity. They’re on track to provide support to 2000 LGBTQ+ people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness this year.

It is estimated that one in five people in the homeless population is LGBTQ+, and many struggle to access services. While the majority of Stonewall Housing’s work is concentrated in London, the new web chat service will extend the organisation’s reach into smaller towns and rural communities.

Steven McIntyre, CEO of Stonewall Housing says, “we are very proud of our history and know that our work has helped change people’s lives. But we know there is so much more to do, not least away from our large cities where services do at least tend to be more visible. We hope our new web chat service will be a lifeline and a vital support for LGBTQ+ people who for whatever reason struggle to access in-person services.”

Launched on the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots of 1969, the same riots which inspired the charity’s name, the new web chat will be launched as a trial initially and will be staffed between 12:00 – 13:00 every weekday. The service is anonymous and staffed by expert advisors with experience of working with the LGBTQ+ community. The charity will seek to grow the number of hours offered as the service develops.