What do we do?
No Straight Answer (NSA) is a youth club that provides support, guidance and a safe space for young people identifying as LGBTQI+ to make new friends, socialise and take part in a wide range of activities. We also promote young people's understanding of LGBTQI+ identity, relationships and mental health.
Who is it for?
Young people aged 11 to 19 years old who are, or feel they may be, a part of the LGBTQI+ community.
Where is it?
NSA sessions run at Heatham House Youth Centre in Twickenham on a weekly basis:
- Nearest train station Twickenham
- Nearest bus stops Heatham House (281, 681) Twickenham Station (267, 281, 681, H22) Whitton Road (267, H22)
Meet the team
We have a warm and friendly team supporting NSA sessions, with years of targeted youth work experience. Find out more about them below.
Alexandra Quennell
"Hi, I'm Alex and I've been working with children and young people for over 10 years. I have worked in secondary schools, specialist Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) schools and youth centres in Richmond and Kingston. I have supported mainstream and vulnerable young people and their families, as well as young people with disabilities. My roles have included teaching assistant, NVQ Apprenticeship Assessor, trainer and youth worker.
As a youth worker I have worked on various sessions such as Open Door youth club, Lighthouse project, Children in Care Council, LGBTQI+ and the Kingston and Richmond Youth Council. When I'm not running NSA I am the Youth Participation Officer for AfC. My role is to make sure that children and young people have an influential voice in service design and delivery and that their experiences and views are listened to: I make sure young people have their voices heard!"
​Young People’s View
Alex is chilled and understanding. She also has an incredible ability to create a conversation out of thin air. She has really good music taste too!
Joshua Leverton (he/him/his)
"Hello my name is Josh, I have been working for Achieving or Children for around 6 years as a part time youth support worker. Across this time, I’ve specialised in working in targeted sessions to provide support to young people that may have traditionally been marginalised or found accessing universal services difficult. This includes sessions such as:
- Lighthouse Project - a project for young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Children in Care Council - a session empowering young people living in care or independent accommodation.
- No Straight Answer - our wonderful LGBTQI+ support session
In my full time job, I work as a 1:1 teaching assistant in a primary school supporting children with SEN (Special Educational Needs) which I really enjoy."
Fun Fact: He likes cats and plans one day to become a crazy cat man!
Young People’s View
Josh might be the most calm person on the planet. Always caring and funny, Josh is who you go to when you're looking for a quiet chat or someone to listen to a personal issue.
How to find out more
Please contact Alex Quennell for details on days and times of sessions. We don’t advertise the exact day/time of the session as we are keen to protect the identities of members of the group. This is to ensure that they are able to control how and when they come out.
Contact
Danielle Hutchinson or Alex Quennell
heathamhouse@achievingforchildren.org.uk
Tel: 020 8288 0950 / 07864 615077