Keeping Robin Windsor’s Legacy Alive Through Love, Support and Community

I came out at the age of 15. One thing I have learned over the years is that being gay is not a choice, so why do so many families make their children and loved ones feel bad for simply being who they are?

Equality should mean exactly that — the same love, respect and support for a gay child as for a heterosexual child. Personally, I prefer to think of us all simply as human beings.

The knock-on effect of rejection can be devastating. In a world already struggling with a mental health crisis, many members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to face unique challenges. Sadly, issues such as substance misuse, alcohol dependency and risky behaviour are often not the root cause of the problem, but symptoms of people trying to cope with loneliness, discrimination, fear and a lack of acceptance.

What is perhaps even more troubling is that the LGBTQ+ community itself can sometimes be unwelcoming. Some of the most judgemental and homophobic attitudes I have encountered have come from other gay people. It is a reminder that kindness, understanding and compassion are needed everywhere.

The suicide rate among LGBTQ+ people remains deeply concerning. That is why I always say that no matter how successful, popular or outwardly happy someone may appear, it is important to take the time to check that they are truly okay. A simple conversation can make all the difference.

That is why I am delighted to introduce You Are Loved CIC.

The loss of Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor sent shockwaves through the dance world, the LGBTQ+ community and the countless lives he touched through his warmth, kindness and generosity. Robin was far more than a talented dancer and television personality. He was a friend, mentor, advocate and source of comfort to many people who were struggling with life’s challenges.

I was fortunate enough to meet Robin Windsor through Anna Kennedy Online, a charity that is very close to my heart. As a Patron of the organisation, I had the privilege of seeing first-hand the kindness, generosity, and compassion that Robin brought to everything he did.

Robin was a tremendous supporter of the autism community and regularly gave his time to help others. He was involved with both Autism’s Got Talent and the Autism Hero Awards, where his warmth and genuine care for people shone through. Whether he was on stage, meeting families, or encouraging participants, Robin always made people feel valued and included.

He possessed that rare ability to light up a room with his smile, his energy, and his infectious enthusiasm. Yet beyond the public persona was a truly beautiful soul—kind-hearted, thoughtful, and deeply compassionate. Robin never underestimated the power of a kind word or a supportive gesture, and his impact on so many lives continues to be felt today.

Those of us who were lucky enough to know him will always remember not only his incredible talent as a dancer but also the love, friendship, and encouragement he gave so freely. Robin’s legacy lives on through the countless people he inspired and the communities he helped to support. https://annakennedyonline.com

Today, his legacy continues through the work of You Are Loved CIC, a remarkable organisation dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ people facing mental health difficulties, loneliness, isolation, substance misuse and a range of other life challenges.

Founded in 2024 by social psychologist and researcher Marc Svensson, You Are Loved CIC was created with a simple but powerful mission: to ensure that nobody in the LGBTQ+ community feels alone when they need help most. The organisation is powered by a passionate team of volunteers who bring together a wide range of skills, expertise and lived experiences. What unites them is a genuine commitment to helping others and creating a safer, more connected community.

Following Robin Windsor’s passing, many of those closest to him wanted to find a meaningful way to honour his memory. Robin was known for his ability to reach out to people who were struggling, offering friendship, encouragement and understanding without judgement. His compassion left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

It was this spirit of kindness that inspired the creation of Ask Bobby, named after Robin’s much-loved nickname. The platform stands as a living tribute to the man who dedicated so much of his life to supporting others. More importantly, it continues the work that Robin cared about deeply: helping people before they reach a point of crisis.

Over the past year, Ask Bobby has grown significantly. The platform has been rebuilt and improved to make it easier for people to access support and find organisations that can help with their specific needs. Whether someone is experiencing loneliness, mental health difficulties, addiction issues or simply needs someone to point them in the right direction, Ask Bobby serves as an invaluable gateway to support services across the United Kingdom.

For many LGBTQ+ individuals, asking for help can feel overwhelming. Feelings of isolation, stigma and fear can prevent people from seeking support until their situation becomes critical. Ask Bobby helps bridge that gap by making information accessible and connecting people with organisations that can offer practical assistance and emotional support.

The impact of this work cannot be overstated. Every day, people across the country are facing challenges that leave them feeling disconnected and alone. By providing access to trusted resources and support networks, Ask Bobby offers hope, reassurance and a reminder that help is available.

However, like many charities and community organisations, You Are Loved CIC now faces a significant challenge.

Despite its success and growing reach, the organisation is almost entirely volunteer-led. Funding remains one of the biggest obstacles to sustaining and expanding its services. To continue developing Ask Bobby and ensure it can support even more people, the charity is seeking to raise £10,000.

This funding would enable the organisation to further improve the platform, add an additional 1,000 support organisations from across the UK and recruit two part-time team members dedicated to maintaining and growing the service. These developments would significantly increase the platform’s reach and effectiveness, helping thousands more people access the support they need.

For those involved, this campaign is about much more than technology or infrastructure. It is about people. It is about ensuring that someone experiencing loneliness at three o’clock in the morning can find help. It is about providing support before a crisis develops. Most importantly, it is about continuing Robin Windsor’s legacy of compassion, kindness and unconditional support.

Robin’s life touched countless hearts, and through Ask Bobby, his influence continues to make a real difference every single day. Every donation, no matter how large or small, helps keep that legacy alive.

At a time when mental health support and community connection are needed more than ever, You Are Loved CIC is proving that love, kindness and understanding remain powerful forces for change.

Robin Windsor believed in helping people. Through Ask Bobby and the work of You Are Loved CIC, that belief continues to inspire hope, build connections and save lives.

To find out more about the campaign or make a donation, please visit the You Are Loved website and help ensure that Robin’s legacy of love and support continues for generations to come.

SUPPORT ROBIN WINDSOR’S LEGACY

You Are Loved CIC is raising £10,000 to help expand Ask Bobby, the LGBTQ+ support platform created in memory of Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor.

The funding will help:
• Add 1,000 additional support organisations across the UK
• Improve and develop the Ask Bobby platform
• Recruit two part-time team members to maintain and grow the service
• Ensure more LGBTQ+ people can access help before reaching a point of crisis

Every donation, no matter how small, will help continue Robin’s legacy of compassion, kindness and support for those facing mental health challenges, loneliness, isolation and other life difficulties.

To make a donation, please visit:

https://youareloved.org.uk/donate

“A simple act of kindness can change someone’s life. Help us keep Robin’s legacy alive.”

Johnny says he is ok

By Steven Smith

Johnny says he is ok. Johnny is bright – he dazzles and is always the life and soul of any party He is kind and caring, always one to lean on, and is everyone’s friend we all know his name.

Johnny says he is ok. He smiles and gives you that wink. It looks like the world is at his feet.

Johnny says he is ok. It looks like he wears his heart on his sleeve. But you see what he wants you to see. A cleverly crafted mask camouflages the pain and sadness, often caressing his soul as trauma becomes his good friend.

Johnny says he is ok. He touches you, makes you feel good and tells you are going to be alright. not to worry and that he is here for you to talk.

Johnny is going to be ok. You see Johnny’s eyes sparkle with love and, as you walk away, you know in your heart he is always happy.

Johnny all ok as he dances home alone, looking at the stars and the moon. They wave and ask him if anyone really knows who Johnny is? Does anyone feel his hurt or see the darkness covering him as he smiles and entertains?

Johnny says he is going to be ok as he turns the key to his flat. Loneliness waits as the darkness flies in before him. They both beckon Johnny; they know who Johnny is and if he just takes their hand, it will all be ok. The pain will go away.

`It is so simple open the bathroom cabinets and take the pills. Hey, let’s celebrate. We can wash it down with alcohol. Come, says the darkness. Lay down with me. Loneliness is just leaving. Close your eyes, sleep in my arms. I promise you at last Johnny you will be ok.