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Introducing the METRO Charity Insight report 2024

“METRO’s services are very distinct and are not necessarily available elsewhere.” — Service user feedback

We are thrilled to present our Insight report for 2024, showcasing the profound difference that METRO Charity makes in the lives of the individuals and communities we support. The report offers a deep dive on METRO’s impact across five domains: mental health and wellbeing, HIV, sexual health, youth, and community services. The case studies and findings illustrate how METRO’s cost-effective service models provide holistic, timely and tailored support, empowering people to thrive.

In this report we delve into the tangible impact of our programs, bringing first-person accounts from service users, staff and other stakeholders. It includes a detailed review of our services in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the London Borough of Lewisham, and the Kent and Medway area. These are stories of resilience, empowerment, lived experiences, and hope which demonstrate the transformative power of our initiatives and the profound change they have brought about in our communities.

One anonymous service user, who METRO GAD supported during their benefits tribunal, stated:

“I found METRO when I was in desperate need of help ... [the support] tripled the benefits in terms of what I was entitled to. … [I] feel a lot more stable than I did because of the help. Information I have received has been second to none, with high quality advice from METRO GAD.”

— Service user, METRO GAD

The report encapsulates the diversity of our programs and their impact on individuals from all walks of life. Whether it's providing crucial information on sexual health to young adults or offering a safe space for marginalised youth to thrive, each initiative is a testament to our commitment to fostering holistic wellbeing and inclusivity.

METRO provides a Stay and Play service for families living with, or affected by, HIV. One service user described the transformative impact of these sessions for her and her child:

“I live in a confined accommodation, making it difficult for my baby to access the floor space to play in order to explore crawling then walking during the growth span. I am happy to say I witnessed my child crawling for the first time at the Stay and Play session.”

— Service user, METRO Stay and Play

We are immensely proud of the achievements outlined in this report and grateful for the unwavering support of our partner organisations. Together, we have made a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. We look forward to continuing our work towards a world where diversity is celebrated, difference respected and valued, and where optimum health and wellbeing for all is a collective goal.

Download the report

Our research