OUR CHARIties
How we choose our charities
FUZE aims to be one of the UK’s largest non-profit organisations. Where charity and fundraising may have once been linked with wealth and the grand ideologies of an older generation, we at FUZE wish to reconnect young people to the causes that affect us all. FUZE’s charity initiatives are the heart of our mission, promoting and raising money for issues facing our generation: racial discrimination, homophobia, transphobia and mental health, through our sell-out experiential events. FUZE’s charities have been selected this year with keeping this in mind, alongside ensuring all charities reflect our core values of inclusivity and diversity, sustainability and creativity
BSWN is a Black-led racial justice infrastructure organisation based in Bristol. They support the development of dynamic, independent, and strong Black and Minoritised communities, businesses and organisations to flourish whilst challenging systemic barriers. They believe that by working collectively they can significantly address racial inequality.
Over the years, BSWN has developed a strong reputation for evidence-driven work based on its robust and academically sound research. They have started to fill the significant gaps in knowledge that are created by the lack of focus on the specific understandings, experiences, needs, wants, feelings, and aspirations of the Black and Minoritised communities in Bristol and the region. Find out more at www.blacksouthwestnetwork.org and @blackswnet
akt is the national LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity supporting young people aged 16-25 in the UK who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment. They support young people into safe homes and employment, education or training, in a welcoming and open environment that celebrates LGBTQ+ identities.
Coming out, or being outed as LGBTQ+, can sadly lead to young people being made homeless – even in 2021. 24% of homeless young people are LGBTQ+, which is significantly disproportionate. Once homeless, LGBTQ+ young people are more likely to face violence and discrimination than young people who aren’t LGBTQ+. They’re also more likely to develop substance misuse issues and experience sexual exploitation. This can all take a huge toll on someone’s physical and mental health.
77% of the LGBTQ+ young people akt work with, believe coming out at home was the main factor in causing their homelessness and so it's vital that they’re supported in an environment that’s inclusive and celebrates their identities in order to improve their life outcomes. Find out more at www.akt.org.uk and @aktcharity
OTR (Off the Record) is a mental health social movement by and for young people aged 11-25 in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. OTR isn’t just a charity providing mental health services, it’s a mental health movement mobilised to support, promote and defend the mental health, rights and social position of young people. OTR provides information and support around wellbeing, including group work, sessions around body image, activism, LGBTQ+ spaces; sessions in schools and colleges, and one-to-one therapeutic support. Find out more at www.otrbristol.org.uk and @otrbristol.
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