Just Like Us publishes 2024 Impact report
Blog
We are proud to present our 2024 Impact Report, which you can read and download, demonstrating our continued success in supporting LGBT+ young people across the UK.
As a charity, we are committed to creating inclusive, supportive environments for LGBT+ young in schools and communities.
This year, we’ve made tremendous progress in expanding our reach, delivering impactful educational programmes, and amplifying LGBT+ representation across the country.
A key focus this year was the growth of our Ambassador Programme, which empowers LGBT+ individuals aged 18 to 25 to advocate for equality. In 2024, 443 young ambassadors joined us in raising awareness and sharing their personal stories with pupils and teachers. Our ambassadors contributed in many ways – writing articles, speaking on panels, and attending skills workshops. These opportunities helped them develop confidence and employability, with 95% of ambassadors feeling more empowered, and 92% reporting that they felt more employable thanks to their experience with us.
Representation in schools remains at the heart of our work. In 2024, we delivered 375 school talks, reaching over 55,000 pupils across 232 schools. These talks, delivered by our ambassadors, allowed many young people to meet an LGBT+ person for the first time, offering them positive and relatable representation. Teachers and pupils responded incredibly well, with 88% of teachers reporting that our talks increased students’ understanding of LGBT+ lives. Additionally, 58% of the talks were delivered virtually, allowing us to reach schools in remote areas.
Our School Diversity Week 2024 was our biggest yet, with 7,468 primary and secondary schools participating. This annual celebration of LGBT+ inclusion is supported by more than 150 free educational resources, including posters, assemblies, and curriculum materials. These resources empowered teachers to foster inclusive environments, and 85% of teachers reported feeling better equipped to support LGBT+ pupils and their families as a result of School Diversity Week.
Beyond School Diversity Week, we also helped establish Pride Groups in 410 schools, providing LGBT+ pupils with a safe space to connect, build community, and lead change. These groups are crucial in fostering a sense of belonging, and 91% of teachers said they helped influence wider school policies and practices, demonstrating the lasting impact of LGBT+ inclusion.
In 2024, we also launched groundbreaking research into the experiences of LGBT+ parents and their children. Our LGBT+ Parents report sheds light on the challenges these families face, especially within the school system, and reinforces the need for inclusive education. We remain committed to creating schools where every young person, regardless of their family makeup, feels supported and accepted.
At Just Like Us, we are proud of the strides we’ve made this year. Our work is transforming the lives of LGBT+ young people, ensuring that schools across the UK become places where diversity is celebrated and every child can thrive. As we look ahead, we are excited to continue expanding our programmes and increasing our impact in the years to come.
