New LGBTQ+ directory in honour of Strictly star

A free online directory aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ people struggling with their mental health is being launched in honour of former Strictly Come Dancing professional Robin Windsor.

The dancer died suddenly in February 2024 at the age of 44. An inquest into the cause of death will take place in January 2026.

Windsor appeared on the show from 2010-2013, where he partnered with Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson, Lisa Riley and Deborah Meaden.

Robin's best friend and ex-partner Davide Cini helped create the Ask Bobby directory and said he hoped it would become a "one-stop-shop" of mental health charities, community groups and sporting organisations that people could contact for help.

Davide hopes the directory will honour Robin's legacy and all he did to support the mental health community before his death.

"Helping others, including children and those with disabilities, to dance helped (Robin) during some of his darkest days," he said.

Davide added Robin's work as an ambassador for the mental health charity Sane had also been very important to him.

Davide said the idea to call the new directory had come to him "in the middle of the night".

The organisation You Are Loved created the directory Ask Bobby and offers advice and support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Its founder, Marc Svensson, said the idea had come after he heard about many people from within the community dying "prematurely".

"In the last two years, I know of 22 people who have died from either suicide or drugs," he said.

"LGBTQ+ people are much more likely to die from suicide and certain drug related deaths."

As a social psychologist, Marc is currently doing a PhD in LGBTQ+ mental health and said research showed people were dying "suddenly and prematurely".

"Signposting people to their community or group of people that might share the same interests or hobbies might be a really good way to combat loneliness and isolation which is rampant in the LGBTQ+ community," he said.

One of the first businesses to join the directory is The Weekending, a gym in Elephant & Castle, south London, aimed at bringing together the LGBTQ+ community and friends.

Its founder, Fabio Pozzetto, said: "The LGBTQ+ community used to get together in the clubs at night - but now we're trying to get healthier alternatives."

He said the club was a perfect match for the Ask Bobby directory.

"There are many people who suffer discrimination and isolation and this is a place where everyone feels very welcome," he added.

It is a sentiment that Matty Lamy, who attends the gym, agrees with.

He described it as his "second home" since the Covid lockdowns, which he said had been a "really difficult time".

"Feeling isolated was my biggest challenge and I could feel myself beginning to spiral," he said.

Since joining the gym, he said it had "changed my mentality, my thinking and my thoughts".

"It's a win-win because of the connections you make through the community here is amazing," he added.

Reflecting on the Ask Bobby resource, Davide said: "I think it's the legacy that myself, Robin's family and friends would like for him, so he can keep shining a light and help people within our community who are struggling."

"Robin would be really proud that we are doing this in his name."

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