6 July 2026
The Homelessness Partnership BCP is proud to stand alongside Bourne Free this year, reaffirming our shared commitment to ensuring that everyone in our community has a safe place to call home, including those in the LGBTQ+ community who may be at greater risk of homelessness.
Across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, the Homelessness Partnership brings together more than 50 organisations, charities and public services. Together, we recognise that experiences of homelessness are often shaped by trauma, discrimination and inequality, and that LGBTQ+ people can face unique and additional barriers.
Research shows that almost one in five LGBTQ+ people experience homelessness at some point in their lives, often linked to family breakdown, discrimination, or feeling unsafe in their living environment.
We are committed to responding with compassion, understanding and practical support.
Behind the statistics are real people whose experiences highlight the barriers that LGBTQ+ individuals can face when trying to secure safe and stable housing. One local same-sex couple experienced a prolonged period of housing insecurity after repeatedly struggling to access suitable accommodation.
Over several years, they faced homelessness, difficulties finding landlords willing to accept their circumstances, and experiences of anti-LGBTQ+ harassment that left them feeling unsafe in their own home.
Their journey reflects the complex challenges that can arise when discrimination, disability, financial pressures and a lack of suitable housing options intersect. While they have now found a safe and secure home, their experience is a reminder of why inclusive housing support and understanding services remain so important.
Recognising lived experiences
For many LGBTQ+ people, housing insecurity can be closely tied to experiences of rejection, stigma or fear of being their authentic selves. At the Homelessness Partnership BCP, we aim to provide support that is:
- Trauma-informed: recognising the impact of past experiences and prioritising emotional and physical safety
- Inclusive and respectful: ensuring people are welcomed without judgement
- Person-centred: recognising that every individual’s journey is different
We know that asking for help can be difficult, and we want people to know they will be listened to, believed and supported.
Support available locally
Through our partnership, LGBTQ+ individuals in BCP can access a wide range of support, whether they are worried about losing their home, already experiencing homelessness, or facing challenges that may affect their housing stability.
Support includes:
- Housing and homelessness advice – including emergency housing guidance, help with eviction risk, and outreach support for those sleeping rough
- Advice on housing rights and discrimination – ensuring people understand their rights and can challenge unfair treatment
- Help finding safe and inclusive housing – including guidance on finding LGBTQ+ friendly homes and house shares
- Financial and tenancy support – including advice on rent arrears, benefits and debt
- Mental health and wellbeing support – including counselling, peer support groups and LGBTQ+ specific services
- Community connections – access to safe spaces, youth services, and local LGBTQ+ networks
People can explore the full range of services and find the right support for them at: https://hpbcp.org/i-need-lgbtq-support/
Standing together at Pride and beyond
Our support for Bourne Free is about more than one event. It reflects our ongoing commitment to working with partners and communities to tackle homelessness in all its forms and ensure that services are accessible, inclusive and responsive to need.
We are proud to stand with LGBTQ+ residents, colleagues and partners – celebrating identity, raising awareness, and continuing to build a community where everyone feels safe, supported and valued.
