London charity receives funding to provide counselling and therapy for LGBT youths
The City Bridge Trust awarded METRO Charity £83, 400 towards its mental health service Chat
By Steve Brown
A London-based charity has received funding to provide counselling and a therapy support programme for young LGBT Londoners.
City Bridge Trust awarded METRO Charity £83, 400 towards its London-wide mental health service called Chat which links agencies across the city to provide one-to-one, family and group therapy for young LGBT+ people.
The funding will go towards staffing and the running costs of the service and will support 120 youngsters in 600 online and face-to-face counselling sessions.
Currently, the charity has two London bases in Greenwich and Lambeth.
The programme – which is currently oversubscribed – was set up to help those who are feeling isolated and presenting themselves with mental health issues.
Alison Gowman, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s City Bridge Trust Committee, commented: “METRO has a strong track record of providing high-quality services for LGBT+ people, and particularly young people.
“With an increase in demand this service is even more valuable. It makes a really positive difference to the lives of many young Londoners.
“City Bridge Trust is committed to making London a fairer place to work and live.”
Dr Greg Ussher, CEO, METRO Charity added: “Demand for LGBT+ appropriate and aware services around mental health continues to be at an all-time high.
“This funding means we can address this need head-on, drawing on over 30 years of expertise in this area.”
The charity provides services for people experiencing issues relating to sexuality, gender, equality, diversity and identity.