In an era where LGBTQIA+ rights are increasingly under threat, grassroots initiatives like The Alphabet Collective (AC) are a vital support network for young people. Founded by youth and community workers Hannah Poklad and Katie Toulmin, the organisation focuses on creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering space specifically for LGBTQIA+ individuals aged 18-25—an often-overlooked demographic in support services. In this interview, the founders share their journey, the impact of their work, and the importance of community.
The Inspiration Behind The Alphabet Collective
Hannah and Katie both have roots in youth and community work, and their lived experiences as LGBTQIA+ individuals played a crucial role in shaping the vision for the AC.
“After working with young people and LGBTQIA+ communities, we noticed there was a gap in support services for 18-25-year-olds,” Hannah explains. “There were some groups for children and teenagers, and then general 18+ spaces, but nothing focused specifically on LGBTQIA+ people transitioning into adulthood. We wanted to create something unique—a grassroots service with young people at the heart of everything we do.”
Katie adds, “Aside from age, we didn’t want to put in fixed criteria for people to meet in order to attend. We never ask people to share how they identify—we want people to be able to express their fluidity and be safe to explore expression, identity, and pronouns. So often, people feel, ‘Am I [insert identity term] enough to attend that group?’ We didn’t want people to feel restricted or have to find a label to ‘fit’ into our group.”
Addressing Challenges LGBTQIA+ Youth Face
The political and social landscape for LGBTQIA+ youth is becoming increasingly hostile, making spaces like the AC even more essential.
“With the current political climate trying to take away the rights of LGBTQIA+ communities, many young people are growing up in uncertainty over the future,” says Hannah. “We provide a space to support them through these challenges and barriers to inclusion and help mitigate the daily impacts of austerity. As well as offer safe spaces to have fun, make friends and build skills and hobbies.”
Katie highlights another crucial aspect of their work: “As we have continued to grow, the group has naturally become an inclusive space for neurodivergent and disabled people. We are seeing more people approach us with these intersecting identities, who haven’t found other groups as accessible or welcoming. It is so important to us to do everything we can to ensure people feel safe to be themselves.”
Creating a Safe and Welcoming Space
Ensuring that young people feel comfortable and supported is at the core of the AC’s mission.
“We aim to create a relaxed atmosphere in our group space, where people can choose to be as involved as they feel like,” says Hannah. “We always start with a check-in, where everyone shares something from their week. From there, we engage in creative and skill-building activities and sometimes educational workshops.”
Katie adds, “Our members very much guide what we do during the groups, sharing ideas and sometimes leading on topics or activities. We all agree on what everyone feels comfortable talking about and what topics people want to avoid.”
“There’s no pressure to share or participate if someone doesn’t feel like it,” Hannah continues. “Sometimes young people come just to get out of the house or to continue a painting they’ve been working on. We make sure there’s always a variety of snacks and refreshments available. We also have a safe spaces agreement as well as a group agreement, which we regularly review.”
“I think it’s really important to provide a space that is relaxed, calm, and considers everyone’s different needs,” Katie reflects.
The Most Rewarding Aspects of Their Work
For Hannah and Katie, seeing the growth and transformation in the young people they support is the greatest reward.
“It’s so rewarding to witness the journeys of our young people and see them thrive,” Hannah shares. “Whether it’s gaining confidence and self-esteem, forming bonds with like-minded people, becoming more comfortable in themselves and celebrating their identity, or gaining access to specialist support services, education and employment —it’s incredible to watch.”
Katie agrees, adding, “There have been so many beautiful moments of connection we’ve witnessed between our members—celebrating each other’s euphoria, sharing similar special interests, and random acts of kindness. Many of our members have formed meaningful friendships that I’m sure will last for years to come.”
How to Support The Alphabet Collective
The AC relies on community support to sustain its vital work.
“We massively appreciate any support people can offer,” says Hannah. “One of the best ways to help is through donations—whether that’s money, food, resources, tickets to events and experiences, or workshops and skill-building activities. This kind of support enables our community to grow and thrive, providing young people with opportunities they might not otherwise have access to.”
For those who are struggling, Hannah offers an important message: “You’re not alone.”
Katie expands, “We understand—it can feel like a really hard time to be queer in the world right now. I have found that community can bring so much joy. Find your people—whether through organisations like ours, events, social media… Find those who will show up for you and lift you up, because you deserve that.”
About the Founders
Hannah Poklad (she/they) is a Co-Founder & Lead Youth Worker at The Alphabet Collective. They have extensive experience working with young people in the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond, with a background in youth and community work, advocacy, and grassroots organising. Hannah has worked in various Leeds based third sector organisations as a youth worker, including Getaway Girls and Barca Leeds, where she has supported and empowers young people from diverse backgrounds.
Hannah received their masters in Youth Work and Community Development from Leeds Beckett University and is currently undertaking a campaign at the University to promote youth work. She is invested in reimagining inclusive practise and has recently had an article surrounding Queer inclusion published in the journal ‘Youth’. Hannah is a keen photographer, gardener and crafter, who loves to travel, try new food and be in nature.
Katie Toulmin (she/her) is a Co-Founder & Lead Youth Worker at The Alphabet Collective. She has been involved in the charity and voluntary sector for over ten years, working in disability, rehabilitation, mental health, and LGBTQIA+ youth work. She has worked in roles at organisations such as The National Autistic Society, Whizz Kidz and Touchstone, advocating for disability rights, coordinating projects, peer support and volunteer management. Previously, she worked at Barnardo’s, providing one-on-one support for children and families exploring identity and training professionals and schools in LGBTQ+ awareness and allyship.
Currently, Katie is a Volunteer Development Manager at a mental health charity, where she also leads the staff disability network. As someone with lived experience of disability, long-term health conditions, and a stammer, she is passionate about creating spaces where everyone can feel included and valued.