Stonewall Housing opens second LGBTQ+ supported accommodation in Brighton
– 2 min read
Stonewall Housing, the national charity supporting LGBTQ+ people of all ages who live in the UK and are experiencing homelessness or living in an unsafe environment, has announced the launch of a second supported accommodation scheme in Brighton to provide safe housing and tailored support for vulnerable LGBTQ+ people, empowering them to build secure and independent futures.
The scheme includes five rooms with shared spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms and gardens. Residents will also benefit from dedicated support workers who will co-produce personalised support plans, offering guidance around wellbeing, independent living, education and employment. Residents typically stay between six–18 months, with ongoing support to help them transition into longer-term housing.
Steven McIntyre, Chief Executive of Stonewall Housing, said: “This scheme marks an important step forward in tackling the urgent need for safe, affirming housing for LGBTQ+ people in Brighton. Too often, LGBTQ+ individuals are placed in services that don’t understand or affirm their identities, potentially leaving them vulnerable to further harm.”
Stonewall Housing’s work highlights the urgent need for specialist services:
- Many residents have faced rejection or abuse at home after coming out or being outed.
- Others arrive after being placed in unsafe or non-inclusive housing where their identities were not respected.
- A significant number come to Stonewall Housing following mental health crises, unsafe accommodation, or rough sleeping.
Daniel Lustig-Webb, Brighton-based Gogglebox star and Stonewall Housing supporter, said: “As a proud gay man in Brighton, I see our community everywhere - but I’ve also seen the gap in what’s missing.
"There isn’t anywhere safe for LGBTQ+ people who were homeless or facing housing insecurity. Stonewall Housing’s scheme changes that. It gives people a place where they can feel safe, get support and have a fresh start.”
According to Stonewall Housing, "without safe and affirming housing, LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness are at greater risk of violence, exploitation and long-term instability".
Stonewall Housing currently operates supported accommodation in London, Brighton and Eastbourne, offering 24 beds across schemes. The charity reports that:
- 39% of residents moved into meaningful, long-term employment last year.
- 43% entered long-term education or training.
- 56% successfully transitioned into settled, independent housing.
