Russell Tovey becomes patron of LGBT homeless charity Albert Kennedy Trust

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Russell Tovey has become a patron for the Albert Kennedy Trust, which helps LGBT youth struggling with homeless.

The actor – whose HBO show Looking was cancelled earlier this year – was one of a number of new patrons to sign on to support the charity.

He joins actress Heather Peace and Paralympian Claire Harvey in signing on the the charity.

Russell Tovey, who has supported the charity for some time, said: “The AKT helps thousands of young people every year find their footing again.

“Everyone deserves to live safe and supported and this charity changes lives for the better, daily.

“I am honoured to be associated with them and if just by being there, I can make any difference at all, then that difference is the most important thing.”

Paralympian Claire Harvey, who is also the Senior Diversity and Inclusion Consultant for KPMG, said: “I am really excited about working with AKT.

“I am very lucky to have been successful in my life, but I don’t underestimate how having a stable place to call home where I felt supported and nurtured has enabled my success.

“Home is so much more than buildings and belongings, it is a sense of belonging, a blanket of support and role models to learn from and lean on. Every young person needs that to thrive.

Heather Peace said: “AKT is a lifeline for the young people it helps. No one should be made homeless because of his or her sexuality or gender identity but it is happening all too frequently.

“AKT offers both emotional and practical support and I’ve met some of the young people they’ve helped to turn their lives around and they were so inspiring.”

Existing patron Sir Ian McKellen said: “Welcome to our new Patrons. Their commitment will encourage others to contribute in whatever way they can to the essential work that the Albert Kennedy Trust does, on behalf of LGBT young people who desperately need help and protection.”