At Space Youth Project, our aim has always been to support young people who are or may be LGBT+, and empower them to have positive self-esteem, know they are supported, have a sense of community, and to overcome issues caused or intensified by prejudice. However, this aim is becoming increasingly harder to fulfil, because there simply isn’t enough funding. Therefore, we have decided to set up a GoFundMe to allow us to continue providing our services to young people all across Dorset.

What do we do?

As a charity, we provide free to attend youth support groups to young people in various places across Dorset, including Bournemouth, Poole, and more rural areas such as Dorchester and Bridport, as well as other places, too. These groups allow for young people to have a safe space to express themselves and make friends without fear of judgement, and prejudice whilst doing fun activities such as arts and crafts. They can also talk with qualified youth workers if they are experiencing any issues, both within groups, in 121 sessions, and externally.

We also give young people opportunities to get involved in their local community, such as visiting National Trust sites like Brownsea Island, and Hardy’s Cottage, as well as getting involved in litter picking to improve our beautiful countryside. To improve their knowledge and skills by attending training sessions such as learning first aid, learning BSL, and money management.

Here are just a few quotes from young people about Space Youth Project:

“Space has helped me realise that I’m not alone in how I feel or what I struggle with.”

“SYP Made me feel more confident and be able to be myself”

“It’s (SYP) become such an important and positive part of my life that I can’t imagine not having.”.

“Space saved my life - I wouldn’t be here without it”

Why do we need help?

Space Youth Project is, by nature, free or affordable. While this is an integral part of our services - as a young person explains, “As a young person from a low-income background, SYP has provided me with so many opportunities that I otherwise would not be able to access.” - it also means that we rely on volunteers, donors, trustees, and other external funders, to keep us going.

This past year, we have faced some of our most difficult times, in terms of money. For example, we have had to cut down on how many groups we can have for young people per month, as well as not always being able to provide our activities and trips for free, which, as you can imagine, reduces the number of people who can have these experiences.

We have also had to confront the possibility of being forced to close down. For just a taste of how this would affect young people, here are some quotes that they provided when asked how they would feel if this occurred:

“I am so grateful to SYP and would be distraught if they had to shut down.”

“If SYP didn’t exist, I’d feel much more isolated and wouldn’t have a trustworthy space if I needed help.”

“Income would become more of a barrier for accessing other services like community and mental health support”.

Why is supporting LGBT+ charities important?

LGBT+ people have faced discrimination in the UK for centuries. I’m sure this isn’t news to anyone. However, in 2015, the UK was rated in 1st place, the best in Europe on the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association Europe (ILGA-Europe)’s ‘Rainbow Map’, a map which ranks 49 European countries on their respective legal and policy practices for LGBT+ people. In 2025, though, the UK was placed in 22nd place. This is hugely concerning, and emphasises the importance of charities, such as Space Youth Project, providing support for LGBT+ people in the worsening social climate.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article. If you are in a position to help, it would mean the world to us if you could make any donation, no matter how big or small. We appreciate everything we receive. Also, sharing this fundraiser would also be a huge help to our cause.

Thank you for your support in improving and saving the lives of young LGBT+ young people across Dorset