Dr Alex Rhys, founder of It Gets Better UK, awarded OBE for services to healthcare and the LGBTQ+ community

Dr Alex Rhys, the founder and CEO of It Gets Better UK, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours 2026 for services to healthcare and the LGBTQ+ community. 

Dr Rhys founded It Gets Better UK in 2017 as part of the global It Gets Better movement, creating a national platform that shares positive, hopeful LGBTQ+ stories to support young people through some of their most vulnerable moments.

Under his leadership, the charity has reached more than 2.5 million people through digital storytelling, crisis intervention content and community support programmes. It Gets Better UK has twice been named one of the top ten charities of the year at the British LGBT Awards.

Dr Alex Rhys said: "I set up It Gets Better UK with the belief that every LGBTQ+ young person deserves to know they are valid, powerful and worthy of love and acceptance.

"To see the project grow into a national charity that has reached millions is something I will always be proud of. This honour is really a recognition of every volunteer, storyteller and young person who has shared their voice to help someone else feel less alone."

 Jesse Finch Gnehm, Chair of the It Gets Better UK Board of Trustees, added: "Alex created It Gets Better UK with a simple but profound vision: that positive LGBTQ+ stories can save lives. Under his leadership, we have supported young people across the country who needed hope, connection and reassurance. This OBE recognises his immense contribution to LGBTQ+ youth mental health and wellbeing. We could not be more thrilled." 

Alongside his work with LGBTQ+ young people, Dr Rhys is also the Chief Executive of the Infection Prevention Society, where he leads work to reduce healthcare associated infections and improve patient safety. He became the Society’s first Chief Executive in August 2024 and has overseen a major period of organisational transformation.

Dr Rhys, holds a PhD in Molecular Oncology and has extensive experience in leadership, governance and youth support. He also runs The Leadership Nook, a coaching practice that works with leaders across charity, healthcare and community sectors.