Debbie Solomon

I’m currently the Synergi Director, which is a programme of work supporting lived experience communities working at the intersection of racial justice, mental health and abolition. Before joining Synergi, I was the Deputy Executive Director at Media Diversity Institute (MDI) which encourage the media towards nuanced reporting on race, religion, ethnicity, class, disability, gender and sexual identity. Prior to MDI, I worked for ARTICLE 19, an international freedom of expression organisation. Initially I worked in finance, before moving to compliance and programme management. I played a key role in the management of large grants and programmes, reporting and compliance of projects and programmes (both with internal teams and also local partners) on freedom of expression - including those that advocated for women and/or LGBTQ+ rights. 

Living locally in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, I was drawn to the work of METRO’s mental health offerings, specifically how they affect the LGBTQI community. As a black queer woman, I’m passionate about the ways in which mental ill-health, distress or trauma is pathologised within society.  

I’m currently the Chair of the Human Resources Policy Sub-Committee. This role encompasses an oversight of the Human Resources agenda, including policy-making functions and annual review processes. As part of the wider Board of Trustees, I will bring my experience in project and finance management, compliance and auditing, fundraising, and racial justice and mental health.   

Being a Trustee at METRO allows me to offer and bring my lived experience to place-based services. During my tenure as Trustee, I will oversee a review of METRO’s policy and Human Resources function. 

During a time where we are witnessing the rise of the far-right, both in the UK and globally, it is vital that we do not shy away from tough conversations. We must divest from structures that cause harm and support charities such as METRO who are providing vital services. I stand in solidarity with, and for, those who are not marginalised but experience marginalisation. Trans rights, LGBT+ rights, migrant rights, disability justice and racial justice are at the core of my beliefs and guide my work.