Jackie Crozier

Jackie Crozier, founder and director of LadyRock Festival, is Outpost's latest ambassador. Jackie has a wealth of experience in the charity and fundraising sectors and national recognition in the press, for both herself as an individual and for her dedicated work to the LGBT community.  She hopes to help raise the profile and develop further what Outpost does.  Jackie is currently working with organisations including Oxfam and Alzheimer's Society, and has held previous posts at charities Marie Curie and Manchester Pride.

Jackie said: "This is a cause I feel fully committed to and passionate about. What Outpost does as an organisation is truly very special. People forget that some young LGBT people don't only face prejudice but also run the risk of being thrown out of their own homes. In some cases, individuals are forced to leave due to fear of their own safety. I could not possibly imagine feeling the streets would be safer for me than my own home; it's shocking. I am thrilled to bring to Outpost my contacts, experience and name - in the hope that we can raise awareness of what a fantastic organisation it is, and develop it into a bigger and more powerful force to make sure young LGBT people do not have to live on the streets."

LadyRock Festival is taking place on Saturday 26 May at Manchester Rugby Club, and is headlined by KT Tunstall. For more information please see: www.ladyrockfestival.com

Lesley Brook

Lesley Brook is a  co-founder and Director of Brook Graham Ltd,  a UK-based global consultancy firm specialising in Diversity and Inclusion. Brook Graham works with many of the world’s leading companies to foster diverse talent and create truly inclusive workplace cultures. Before setting up Brook Graham, Lesley developed her career in Shell International where she undertook a variety of HR leadership roles, based in the UK and South Africa. She also co-founded Shell’s UK Women’s and LGBT Employee Networks.

She served two terms of office on the College Council of King’s College, University of London and is a judge for the Opportunity Now Awards. Lesley is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, a Commonwealth Study Conference alumna and a graduate of the University of York.

Outside work, in recent years she co-founded and was inaugural chair of The Second Chance Choir, based in Blackheath, London, and has also sung with ‘Voicelab’ based in London’s South Bank Centre.

Lesley said,

‘I’m honoured and delighted to become Outpost’s first National Ambassador. The more I have got to know Outpost and the great work they do, the more impressed I am. Outpost provides warm support and much-needed practical help to young LGBT people who find themselves rejected and homeless just because of their sexuality. Outpost makes a huge difference to these young people at a time when they are understandably vulnerable and facing some very tough challenges. I’m really looking forward to supporting and working with Outpost, and helping them continue to develop and grow.’