West London Queer Project secures National Lottery funding for five years

“This funding is a sign of meaningful, long-term support, not just to us as an organisation but also to the people we serve”

West London Queer Project has won National Lottery funding for the next five years to support and scale its current work.

The money will enable the group to strengthen long-term sustainability “by expanding community-led programming, deepening partnerships, and securing the future of safe, inclusive queer spaces across West London” says WLQP’s Founder and CEO Aubrey Crawley.

It will enable WLQP to extend its reach across the region, grow its mental health, sport, creative and social programmes, launch new initiatives, and bring two new team members on board.

Events for the summer

Aubrey set up West London Queer Project during Covid when he wanted to do something to combat loneliness and isolation by creating opportunities for the gay community to socialise safely in west London.

A social enterprise dedicated to serving West London’s LGBTQ+ community, WLQP’s offerings include social gatherings, sports teams, walks, seminars, and advocacy.

READ ALSO: WLQP founder Aubrey Crawley invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party

READ ALSO: Homophobic abuse mars West London Queer Project social event in Chiswick

This summer they will be holding a street party to mark their fifth anniversary at the end of August and regular Friday night ‘Fruit Bowl Socials’ at My Place Chiswick throughout July. They held a picnic in June to mark Pride month in the gardens of Chiswick House and are organising a boat party for September.

Regular activities include rugby, drag and comedy nights, a professional networking group and a book club.

READ ALSO: West London Warriors celebrates success in first International Gay Rugby games

Thanks to the National Lottery

Aubrey Crawley

Announcing their new funding, Aubrey said:

“I want to thank the National Lottery Community Fund for backing us at a time when many well know institutions are visibly pulling support, when the tide turns, it becomes clear who’s really standing with us. This funding is a sign of meaningful, long-term support, not just to us as an organisation but also to the people we serve.

“To obtain this funding we have demonstrated that WLQP is sustainable, impactful and built to last. We’ve achieved this through care, consistency and community. That is something to be proud of. We also get to be proud of who we are, and to create opportunities and spaces where our community can show up and be proud too..

“Our broader event programme helps generate income, which allows us to offer other kinds of support that aren’t commercially viable but are deeply needed. This funding helps us grow that balance and build for the long term.

“Crucially it enables us to grow the team with two new roles: Head of Partnerships and Development, and Community Outreach Lead. These roles will deepen our impact strengthen our connections, and enhance our ability to truly advocate and shape the conversations and decisions that affect our lives.

“We are not just creating spaces. We are showing up in the spaces where decisions are made to ensure our community is represented.

“WLQP turns five this year, but we’re only just getting started.”

wlqp.org

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