The decision was made by the Board of Trustees after more than eighteen months of work to stabilise the charity’s financial position and explore all viable options to secure its future. Despite these efforts, it has become clear that the organisation can no longer continue operating in its current form.
METRO’s closure reflects wider challenges across the voluntary sector, particularly within health and youth services, where funding constraints, commissioning changes and rising demand are placing increasing pressure on organisations.
For over four decades, METRO has been a pioneering force in LGBTQ+ health and community support across London and the South East. The charity has played a significant role in advancing equality and improving lives, from its involvement in protests against Section 28 to launching the UK’s first community-based HIV testing clinic. Its work has spanned sexual health, HIV support, youth services, mental health provision and advocacy, reaching tens of thousands of people.
The organisation is now focused on ensuring a responsible and managed closure, working closely with commissioners and partners to support continuity of services wherever possible.
Dawn Brown, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said:
“After extensive consideration, we have made the very difficult decision to close METRO Charity. This follows a prolonged period of financial pressure and significant efforts to secure a sustainable future for the organisation.
We know this news will be deeply upsetting for our staff, volunteers, partners and service users, and our priority now is to ensure a responsible and compassionate wind-down, working closely with partners to support continuity of services wherever possible.
We are incredibly proud of METRO’s legacy. For more than forty years, the organisation has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ health and community support, and its impact will continue to be felt in the lives it has changed and the communities it has helped to build.”
Tony Wong, Chief Executive Officer, said:
“I want to pay tribute to the extraordinary staff, volunteers, trustees, partners and supporters who have been part of METRO over the past four decades. Their dedication, compassion and commitment have made a profound difference to tens of thousands of people.
While this is an incredibly difficult moment, I am proud of everything METRO has achieved, from pioneering services to standing alongside the various communities we've supported through times of challenge and change. That legacy will endure long beyond the organisation itself.”
METRO will provide further updates to partners and service users as plans progress.