CityLife

The Albert Kennedy Trust: The lowdown

The charity leading from the front at the parade

A MIDST all the hands-in-the-air partying and, let’s face it, unbridled debauchery that often takes place over Pride’s Big Weekend, it’s easy to forget that Manchester Pride remains hugely committed to fundraising for local good causes.

There are the occasional skinflints who bray about having to fork out a few quid to enter the Gay Village over the August bank holiday, but without this money, the festival would be a much smaller affair and raise precious little for deserving charities.

Last year’s Pride raised £105,000 for good causes. The money was divided between charities supporting the gay community and HIV programmes, such as the Lesbian and Gay Foundation and the George House Trust.

Small community groups were encouraged to put in bids for funding, many of whom would simply cease to exist without such grants.

Among the long list of beneficiaries was the Albert Kennedy Trust, a charity based in Manchester and London that supports young LGBT people.

“We were given a grant because Pride obviously distributes money to good causes,” explains the charity’s Chief Executive, Tim Sigsworth. “We have used the money to develop an oral history project in Manchester which will be on display at Manchester Central Library throughout the whole of August which charts the history of the trust. It’s something we wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise.”

From very small beginnings, Manchester Pride has grown into a huge festival that is a fixture on the city’s calendar.

'part of a larger community'

Some detractors think that the festival is simply too big, but Sigsworth is adamant about the festival’s role.

“Pride is massively important to us. We have both been around for pretty much the same amount of time in Manchester – this year marks our 20th anniversary.

"We also think it’s an incredibly important way of engaging with young people, many of whom are still struggling with their sexuality, and make them feel part of a larger community. We also think it’s important that people are aware of a sense of history and can see the struggle people have been through to get where we are today and Pride provides that focus.”

The Albert Kennedy Trust is a small charity but one that has performed a vital role for the last two decades.

“The Trust was formed in 1989 by Cath Hall,” Sigsworth explains, “and grew out of her experiences as a foster carer. She saw that there were a lot of young LGBT people who were rejected by their families when they came out and faced a lot of problems.

"At the same time, a young man called Albert Kennedy was out on Canal Street when he was set upon by a gang of homophobic bullies. They pursued him to Sackville Street car park where he was forced to fight or jump to his death. He jumped to his death.

"In honour of him the trust took his name. For 20 years we have provided support for young LGBT people through such schemes as subsidized lodgings, mentoring young people, providing help with carers and offering information and advice.”

Like many charities, the Albert Kennedy Trust relies heavily on volunteers in all aspects of their work.

'attitudes haven't really changed'

“We are still looking for more carers and for people who can do things like help out with administration or fundraising.”

Sigsworth adds, “I would like to get a message across that we have had brilliant legislation over the last 10 years that has benefited the LGBT community, but attitudes haven’t really changed.

"We are seeing more young people than ever, many of them from faith backgrounds who are facing quite dangerous situations when they come out, they may be facing a forced marriage or their parents simply don’t understand their sexual orientation and there are conflicts with their religious background. We are a small charity but we still deal with around 500 young people, aged 16-25, every year.”

Since this year is an important anniversary for the charity, the Albert Kennedy Trust is hoping that anyone who has been involved over the last twenty years can join them for the parade on August 29. In the meantime, dig into your pockets to buy a ticket for the Big Weekend. A few quid changes lives.

The exhibition, In Our Own Words, featuring work created by young people helped by AKT, is at the Central Library, St Peter’s Square throughout August. For more info visit akt.org.uk.