Our support for young people
Learn about our work with young LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers
40
% of the LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees we supported in 2025 were under the age of 30.
30
18-30 year-old LGBTQI asylum seekers are currently living in our safe houses
0
Safe bednights for LGBTQI people under 30
Young people make up the majority of those we support at Micro Rainbow.
In 2025, 52% of our beneficiaries were under the age of 30. Many young LGBTQI refugees and people seeking asylum arrive in the UK alone, navigating complex asylum systems while facing housing insecurity, isolation, and the impact of trauma.
Our work is designed to meet these challenges by providing safe housing, integration support, social inclusion activities and advocacy.
"I think moving into the Micro Rainbow house was a blessing. It is what I needed. I got to live my life, and now I am studying again. I am passionate about engineering and business, and I want to work in academia. I hope that in the future, I can build a stable life for myself and eventually start a family."
John, a young gay man from Zimbabwe who lived in Micro Rainbow safe housing
Supporting young people with safe housing
We currently house 39 young people under 30, which accounts for 54.42% of our total residents. One of our safe houses is designated specifically for young LGBTQI people seeking asylum.
Why this support matters
Many young people arrive alone, for the first time, without family or community networks to rely on. Our safehouses provide an inclusive and supportive setting for rebuilding confidence and planning for the future.
Lack of privacy and autonomy in shared accommodation can be retraumatising, especially for trans and non-binary youth. Our safehouses provide private, identity-affirming spaces where young people can feel secure, respected, and in control of their environment.
Young people are especially vulnerable to exploitation, isolation, and mental health challenges. Our safehouses offer a supportive community and access to specialist services that help young LGBTQI people rebuild their lives with dignity.
"Expressing myself through dance and movement has helped me to heal and communicate with other people. I was very closed off, but in the dance sessions I feel free and can open up. Through Micro Rainbow, I have found a community."
Henry, a gay man from Iran, who claimed asylum as a 25-year-old
Helping young people find friends and community
Young LGBTQI people seeking asylum often arrive in the UK having been cut off from their families and support networks.
Young LGBTQI refugees and people seeking asylum participate in our Social Inclusion programme actively, which provides them with space to connect, build confidence, and access peer support.
The social inclusion events range from creative workshops and trips to the theatre to peer-support groups, all designed to reduce isolation and provide opportunities to free expression and healing.
Why this support matters
Young LGBTQI people often arrive alone, having been rejected by their families or forced to flee without support. Connecting with others who share similar experiences helps young people feel less alone and more empowered.
Social isolation can be especially intense during early adulthood, a time when most people are building their identities and support networks. Our social inclusion events offer safe, affirming spaces to make friends.
Opportunities for self-expression are essential for young people exploring their identities. During our social inclusion events, they can be themselves without fear of judgment.
"I am thankful that Micro Rainbow was there when I needed support and when I was building my life in the UK. I used the CV I prepared in an employability workshop to secure my first role after getting status! The support I was given during my asylum claim, and immediately after getting status meant that I was able to secure paid work as soon as I became a refugee."
Moritz, a gay man from Iran, who claimed asylum as an 18-year-old
Supporting young people with access to employment, education and training
Our Moving On programme helps LGBTQI asylum seekers secure employment, training, education and housing after being granted refugee status.
For young people, this support is particularly critical as they often lack prior work experience, formal education, or access to networks that ease the transition into adulthood. Our Moving On programme helps them build the tools and confidence to shape their futures.
Why this support matters
Many young LGBTQI refugees have had their education disrupted. Our programme helps them re-engage with learning in a supportive setting.
Young people often lack work experience or professional networks, making it harder to access jobs or training. We provide tailored guidance, mentoring, and opportunities to build skills and confidence.
The transition to adulthood is already challenging, but for young LGBTQI refugees, it’s compounded by trauma, uncertainty, and systemic barriers. Our support helps them navigate this transition with dignity.
Access to employment and education is important for independence. Our programme empowers young people to build stable, fulfilling lives beyond the asylum system.
Micro Rainbow has been awarded £40,000 from LandAid to help young people at risk of homelessness
We’re thrilled to share that Micro Rainbow has been awarded a £40,000 grant from LandAid through the StreetSmart campaign.
This vital funding will help fund our work in London, enabling us to support 100 young LGBTQI refugees and people seeking asylum who are facing or at risk of homelessness.
By turning just £1 added to a restaurant bill into meaningful change, this partnership is proving how small actions can make a huge impact. Together with 47 other brilliant charities, over 1,200 young people will receive the support they urgently need through StreetSmart funding.
Thank you to LandAid and StreetSmart Charity UK for recognising the importance of safe, inclusive housing for young LGBTQI people fleeing persecution.
Help young LGBTQI refugees and people seeking asylum
Our work is only possible because of people like you. Your support helps us provide housing, community, and opportunities to young LGBTQI people rebuilding their lives after fleeing persecution.
There are many ways to take action. You can donate or become an ally to help sustain our services, contact us if you’d like to collaborate or learn more, or give through our Amazon wishlist to provide essential items for our safe houses.
Become an ally
Show your support for LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers by becoming a Micro Rainbow ally.
Donate items for our safehouses
Give practical help by purchasing essential items for our safehouses.
Get in touch
Get in touch to collaborate, ask questions, or make a referral for an LGBTQI asylum seeker or refugee,