Youth Groups

Metro Youth runs a wide range of different groups across South East London. They’re a great place for you to meet other lesbian, gay, or bisexual people your own age. We offer fun activities like video afternoons, creative sessions, trips up town, workshops, and discussions. You can listen to music, make new friends, talk about stuff you’re going through, and get advice or information on a range of issues.

Zest -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Being LGB and under 16 isn’t always easy. As well as the usual pressures of growing up, bullying at school can be an additional hassle. Plus so much of being LGB seems to focus on the commercial gay scene, which can seem almost out of reach when you’re underage.

If you’re under 16 and would like to meet people who are or think they might be LGB, as well as have fun and be accepted for who you are, then Zest could be for you!

Zest meets on the 1st & 3rd Friday of each month at The Metro Centre from 4– 6pm. For more info, call 07980 633 945 or email Youth

Shine -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shine meets every Sunday afternoon from 2 – 5 pm at The Metro Centre, and is for people aged 16 to 25 who are or think they may be lesbian, gay or bisexual. As the name suggests, it is a safe space for you to relax, listen to music, play pool, and meet people.
For more information, please call 020 8305 5000 or email Youth

SNAP ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SNAP is based in Bromley and is similar to Shine. The group is also for people aged 16 to 25 and meets on Thursday evenings from 6.30pm– 9.30 pm.

For more info on meeting places, please call 07811 440 694 or email Youth

LIVE -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Youth Group is based in Lewisham for LGBTQ young people aged 16 to 25. It meets on Friday evenings from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
For more information, please call 07983 917 563 or 020 8314 3430 or email Youth

VIBE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VIBE is for young people aged between 16 and 25 years in Bexley. The group meets on Wednesday evenings from 6.30 9.30pm.
For more information, please call 020 8305 5000 or email Youth

 

Each group provides a range of acitivities and opportunities to socialise with other LGBTQ people. The Metro Youth Service also arranges special events for all young people attending its groups, a short course for those who are coming out (JUST OUT) and a Youth Forum. This periodical "coming out" course covers the kind of things that people want to know when they first come to terms with being LGB, including parents and friends, how to handle homophobia, sex and relationships, and building confidence and self-esteem.The MYS also provides school liaison work focusing on reducing homophobic bullying by supporting teaching staff and schools and supporting young people experiencing homophobic bullying in Lewisham and Bexley.

All young people accessing the MYS can also access the following Metro Services:
Advice & Advocacy: A one to one confidential advice and support service for young LGBTQ particularly if you have concerns about benefits or housing. This service is by appointment only.
Mental Health Drop-In: this is for anyone over 18 for advice and support
Pitstop Plus: Sexual health clinic for men who have sex with men
Penelope’s Pitstop: Sexual health clinic for women who have sex with women
Counselling: one to one tailored counselling session for young people under 25 years old
Metro Safe: 6 week Mentoring programme
GMI: Pan London Initiative for further counselling and training opportunities

The MYS is affiliated to London Youth. All staff members have annual CRB checks. The Metro Youth Service & Metro Centre are constantly developing services, for further details please contact us quoting ‘Metro Youth Services’ on Telephone : 020 8305 5000 or Email: youth@metrocentreonline.org or www.metrocentreonline.org.

Training