METRO Charity is an equality and diversity charity providing health, community and youth services in Woolwich, a borough just half an hour from Greenwich. METRO promotes health and wellbeing to anyone experiencing issues relating to sexuality, gender, equality, diversity and identity. I started volunteering in October. Before youth group, I organize the room, bring in snacks, get the television and laptop ready (in case there are presentations) and prepare any other materials for the day.
In 1984, the Greenwich Lesbian and Gay Centre was founded at a time in London when homophobia against the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, other sexual identities) community was particularly high. This centre was created to challenge this discrimination and to promote equality for LGBTQ+ people in society and the workplace. Its building was a safe space to meet to play pool and board games, and it offered a telephone service for general advice and information. The centre also organized events and participated in Pride activities every June. This centre eventually transformed into the METRO charity.
