The Woolwich-based charity Metro has announced it will close down next week, with the loss of more than 60 jobs.

Metro is best known for its work in sexual health and LGBTQ+ advocacy but it expanded into other areas of community work over the years, including disability rights and helping voluntary sector groups.

Now some of those services face an uncertain future, with 64 jobs going when the charity closes on Tuesday. 

Four years ago Metro made pledges to improve after a damning report depicted a “stale, pale and male” culture and detailed evidence of racism throughout the organisation. 

But the charity suffered financial difficulties and earlier this year lost a Greenwich Council contract supporting voluntary and community groups.

Dawn Brown, the chair 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.” 

Metro began life with a council grant in 1983 as the Greenwich Lesbian and Gay Centre. During the 1990s and 2000s it expanded into sexual health services for the wider community, and began working in neighbouring boroughs such as Lewisham and Bromley.

It later expanded more significantly, absorbing the Greenwich Action for Voluntary Service, which helped voluntary groups, and rebranding it Metro-Gavs. 

People with big cheque
Greenwich cabinet members Mariam Lolovar and Sandra Bauer with Anna Ritchie and Hannah Weber from Greenwich Giving last year. The future of the service is now being discussed. Image: Greenwich Council

However, last month Metro-Gavs lost its Greenwich Council contract to support the voluntary sector, with the service moving to  Bexley Voluntary Service Council from Wednesday.

Metro also absorbed the Greenwich Association of Disabled People, rebranding it Metro-Gad. A Metro spokesperson told The Greenwich Wire that talks were still taking place on how Gad’s work would continue in future.

The future of Greenwich Giving, a scheme where residents can give money, time or expertise to good causes in the borough that was only launched last year, is also yet to be decided.

Tony Wong, who joined Metro as chief executive 18 months ago, 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.”

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