Our impact

In an increasingly hostile society, Just Like Us empowers LGBT+ young people to thrive.

Impact report

Find out what Just Like Us is doing to improve the lives of LGBT+ young people across the UK.

Our detailed charity annual report highlights how we are transforming the lives of LGBT+ young people.

In the last year…

57,932 students heard positive LGBT+ messaging from a Just Like Us school talk
8,260 schools proudly affirmed LGBT+ identities by joining our school network
498 young people were supported to reach their full potential and share their personal story through our Ambassador programme
795 schools benefited from community, training and resources on our Pride Group programme
1 groundbreaking LGBT+ Guide for Parents published

Read our latest annual impact report

Scout’s story

Growing up, Scout was bullied for being trans.

Just Like Us Us has helped Scout find community, develop skills and use their voice.

Now 23, they have a network of support and the resilience to face challenges that come their way.

“Before Just Like Us, I didn’t have a support network. Now, I feel heard, valued, and understood, something I never had back home. I now feel like I can live the life I was always meant to live.”

Scout

We improve wellbeing

LGBT+ young people’s wellbeing is better when Just Like Us works with their school. Our impact is immediate and clear.

88%

of LGBT+ school pupils feel more comfortable in their identity, thanks to our Pride Groups.

“Our Pride Group was a safe space. It made me feel more comfortable going to school” – Charlie

96%

of teachers say that our Pride Groups programme has improved young people’s wellbeing.

“I have a reason to come to school on Thursdays” – School pupil

91%

young adults say their wellbeing has improved thanks to the support of Just Like Us.

“I was bullied relentlessly at school. I hated myself. Just Like Us has been healing for my inner child” – Belly, 23

Koi’s story

Growing up as a young Black trans boy, Koi didn’t see himself reflected in his education.

Supported on the charity’s Ambassador Programme, he has had access to training in public speaking and now goes into schools, talking about his lived experiences and inspiring the next generation to become allies.

“Just Like Us is so important because in school, I didn’t have anyone to see or ask questions to. The charity creates a safe space for pupils and offers representation to let them know that they can be who they are.”

Koi, 22

We build community and increase safety

LGBT+ young people cannot feel safe if they don’t feel connected. Community brings resilience.

89%

of young people say our Pride Groups programme has made them feel connected to more LGBT+ people than ever before.

“[Having a Pride Group] lifted my spirits when I was in a dark time and gave me a sense of community” – School pupil

91%

of teachers say Just Like Us’ help has had a positive impact on their school policies too, such as tackling anti-LGBT+ bullying.

“[Just Like Us has given us] more staff awareness, better understanding of the need for student voice [and] helped with our DEIB strategic planning.” – Teacher

86%

of young adults feel a stronger sense of belonging within the LGBT+ community.

“Before joining, I had no sense of belonging. I struggled with selective mutism. Just Like Us taught me that the things that scare me can also turn out to be amazing.” – Scout

“Just Like Us has helped reduce homophobic bullying in our school. The charity has helped us to explain to pupils why anti-LGBT+ language is so damaging and we’ve seen a real difference in our school culture.”

Liz Soulby, PSHE lead at Charlton School

“Our primary school wouldn’t have become such an inclusive and welcoming place without Just Like Us. We’ve put their posters up around the school and staffroom as reminders for the whole school community that we are accepting. The charity’s resources have raised staff confidence and self-esteem when delivering sessions.”

Teacher, Denise Jones at Afon Y Felin Primary in Bridgend, Wales

We make sure no young person feels invisible

We eradicate shame and stigma, while helping LGBT+ young people feel seen and understood.

88%

of teachers agree that LGBT+ topics are more visible thanks to the charity’s Pride initiative.

“You get a feeling that you’re not the only one anymore” – School pupil

96%

of teachers say that our Pride initiative enabled them to better support LGBT+ pupils and families.

“Our school has become a much more open environment and I feel the children are happier” – Teacher

91%

of school pupils say LGBT+ people are more visible, thanks to our Pride Groups programme.

Just Like Us “helps me feel less alone, and more loved for who I truly am, not who others may want me to be” – School pupil

We enable positive futures

We support young people to build confidence and skills through training, skills workshops, employability days and career mentoring.

99%

of young people equipped to challenge negative attitudes and misinformation about LGBT+ people in schools.

“Being able to change young people’s minds, empower them with knowledge, and act as a role model has undoubtedly had a transformative effect on my life” – Olive

78%

of young people feel more employable as a result of Just Like Us’ support.

“It’s helped me break my freeze response about the world, and get out there and do something about it” – Kai

83%

of young people feel more positive about their future.

“I feel more confident too when speaking with other people, applying for jobs, and just in myself and what I’m capable of” – Jenna

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Donate today

LGBT+ young people need our support more than ever

In these increasingly difficult times, LGBT+ young people really need our support and demand for our programmes is growing. Please will you make a donation to Just Like Us today?

A small amount monthly may be more manageable and would help us commit to long-term projects.