We hope you have been enjoying this LGBTQ+ History Month at KCLSU! You have loved our events these days, and we have so many more in store for you – make sure to check out our Theatre for a Fiver promotion and the upcoming clothes swap!
This month is also the perfect moment to get involved and make a real impact in promoting LGBTQ+ rights, especially as a KCL student. Being a student in London gives you access to so many different opportunities to gain experience in the charity sector and support the causes that are close to your heart.
To kickstart your journey in LGBTQ+ advocacy, here’s a list of charities you can get involved in as a student in London. They're all waiting to hear from you, plus they’re all just a stone’s throw away from each of our four campuses! Do not hesitate to get in touch with:
The London LGBTQ+ Community Centre (Waterloo)
If you’re based at the Waterloo Campus, The London LGBTQ+ Community Centre is a must-know charity that’s making a huge difference for the LGBTQ+ community. Located just a short walk from campus, this community centre offers a safe, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals to meet, share experiences, and get the support they need.
The Centre hosts a range of events, including workshops, social gatherings, and even exercise sessions. It’s a sober, intersectional space where you can find social connection, receive mental health support, or just access a safe place to be yourself.
They also collaborate with other local groups, offering sexual health testing and skills-sharing workshops, amongst many other services. Reach out to them, go to one of their workshops, or just share their incredible work on social media to contribute!
The Outside Project (Guy's)
Just around the corner from Guy’s Campus, you’ll find The Outside Project, a charity that provides vital support to LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness and domestic abuse. They run a community shelter, as well as a domestic abuse refuge, for individuals who often find themselves excluded from other services due to societal prejudices.
When it comes to supporting LGBTQ+ people, their work goes beyond just providing a roof. The Outside Project offers peer-led support, mental health resources, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights within wider systems. They’re all about promoting social health and sobriety within the LGBTQ+ community, too. Some ideas on how to support them can be volunteering at their shelter, organizing fundraising, or donating to the Project!
Diversity Role Models (Strand)
If you're studying at Strand Campus, you’ll want to check out Diversity Role Models, a charity dedicated to creating inclusive environments in schools and in education. Their mission is to reduce bullying and foster empathy through the power of storytelling. This approach will be very resonant to the Humanities students of Strand Campus!
Diversity Role Models work with schools, delivering workshops that empower young people to embrace diversity. By creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students, they help to prevent discrimination, making sure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Check them out and find out if you can volunteer for their school workshop and contribute to their mission with your own knowledge and experience.
Community Support Network (Denmark Hill)
The Community Support Network (CSN) has its headquarters in South London, on Brixton Road, a short walk away from the Denmark Hill Campus. This unique charity provides independent mental health advocacy services in the local area, and they’re a valuable resource for LGBTQ+ individuals who may be navigating mental health challenges.
With a focus on advocating for patients within mental health services, CSN is there to ensure that everyone, regardless of their identity, receives the care and attention they deserve. They also work closely with the NHS and other health services to improve care for LGBTQ+ individuals.
With the KCL Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience being located in the Denmark Hill Campus, we know those students will be extremely familiar with the topic. To apply your knowledge to real-life settings and promote meaningful action for people’s wellbeing, we recommend you visit the CSN.
You could even assist with the Community’s outreach by spreading the word, or check out their website and get in touch with their board to learn more about mental health services.
Why You Should Get Involved
As a student, you’re in a unique position to make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ people in London. These local charities offer tons of ways for you to get involved: not only will you be contributing to the community, but you’ll also be gaining valuable experience in activism, advocacy, and social support.
You can connect with these and other organisations through our KCLSU student groups or by simply reaching out directly to see how you can help. They’re always looking for new supporters to join the cause!
So, whether you’re near the Strand, Guy’s, Waterloo, or Denmark Hill campus, these charities are doing vital work, and they need your support. Remember to also check out KCLSU LGBTQ+ Events to participate in initiatives within your own Student Union. Take the opportunity to get involved, make a difference, and show your commitment to promoting LGBTQ+ rights in London!