Queen Alexandra College (QAC) is a national residential college and charity for young people aged 16-25 with disabilities. Their mission is to offer challenging learning opportunities to help young people realise their full potential, and to live and work as independently as possible.
Young people with disabilities are often told by others what they should be thinking/feeling, and what they can/cannot do which can increase their vulnerability and impact their confidence. When combined with being LGBTQ+, they can become even more introverted and lack the confidence to be themselves and find it hard to seek support or guidance.
The QBE Foundation’s grant will enable QAC to develop and lead a community-based LGBTQ+ support group for young people with disabilities in the West Midlands area. The group will meet at least once every fortnight and it will offer a safe space for members to meet, make friends, share experiences and gain support, advice and confidence.
QBE Foundation Coordinator, Kelly Chambers said:
‘’We are proud to fund this project which will help young people with disabilities develop their voice and confidence, and understand they are not alone in their experiences.’’
Jane Morel, QAC’s Director of Community Services told us how much they appreciate the Foundation’s support.
"It is fantastic that the QBE Foundation has chosen to support our project which will provide vital help to young people who are often marginalised and isolated. We know from the work we do at QAC that peer support makes a real difference to the lives of young LGBTQ+ people and we are excited to be able to extend and develop our work in this area with support from the QBE Foundation."
Visit our QBE Foundation page to learn more about the Foundation.