A charity is providing accommodation to support vulnerable LGBTQ+ people.

Stonewall Housing, a national charity that supports homeless or unsafe LGBTQ+ people, has launched the scheme to provide a safe space and welfare support.

Under the scheme, workers will support residents in their accommodation and help them to produce tailored support plans for their needs, as the charity revealed that 97 per cent of its users valued having caseworkers who understood the challenges they faced.

Residents will typically get help for six to 18 months to assist them in securing long-term safe housing.

The programme is a collaboration between Stonewall Housing, CHISEL Neighbourhood Housing Association, and Brighton and Hove City Council.

Steven McIntyre, CEO of Stonewall Housing, said: “There has been a growing need for supported accommodation for LGBTQ+ people in the city for many years now and I am just delighted that together with CHISEL Housing and Brighton and Hove City Council we are now able to provide safe accommodation for those who need it most."

Councillor Leslie Pumm, chairman of the equalities, community safety and human rights committee, said : “I am very proud to collaborate with Stonewall Housing and CHISEL on the new scheme supporting vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth in our city.

“With LGBTQ+ homelessness on the rise, this scheme will provide a safe and secure environment and a much-needed tailored support that can change the lives of LGBTQ+ people, empower them and help them pave the way for a more secure future.

“The launch of this scheme is a step towards our ambition as a council to live up to our national and international reputation and create a city that is truly a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people of all ages and backgrounds.”