West London Queer Project (WLQP) is a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) driven by the desire to connect, support and give voice to Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender queer and other sexual and gender identifying (LGBTQ+) people in West London. Our organisation aims to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people in West London and beyond. We offer fun events, a safe space, a welcoming, supportive and safe environment to uplift, empower, and connect as well as advocacy, awareness-raising and change making activities among local policy-makers.
WLQP connects and supports people and their families to feel well resourced, connected, and safe and to know their voices matter.
We have witnessed a decline in safe spaces and social infrastructure for our community, this has had far-reaching negative effects, impacting the mental health, wellbeing and safety of LGBTQ+ people in response to this and the COVID-19 pandemic, we have hosted 150 events at a time when connection and enjoyment are vital.
Our events help empower individuals to improve their mental and emotional wellbeing and to reduce social isolation of people combating discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. These events resourced people by providing connection, helping them access other services, making referrals to health services, mental health support including help with anxiety, counselling, peer support substance misuse, and more.
Whilst these events have been incredibly well received and attended, it is becoming increasingly apparent that there is a greater need to address mental health and social wellbeing issues within our community.
We have built a close working relationship with Hounslow council and view at our work in Hounslow as a pilot scheme that can be rolled out into other West London boroughs. We have started engagement with Hammersmith & Fulham and Hillingdon Councils.
