Stronger Voices sparks change for two London equality organisations

For many equality organisations, managing communications can feel like a constant juggling act. There’s often no dedicated team, competing audiences, and limited time to build long-lasting media connections. Stronger Voices was designed to change that. And for charities London Friend and Abram Wilson, change is happening already.

Meet London Friend and Abram Wilson

Established in 1972, London Friend is the UK’s oldest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans charity. They work to support the health and mental wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community in and around London, through counselling and support on issues such as same-sex relationships, sexual and gender identity, personal growth and self-confidence.

Named after the celebrated New Orleans jazz trumpeter, Abram Wilson strives to inspire, connect, and create opportunities within the music industry, ensuring that minoritised young talent has an equal chance to realize their creative potential. They engage with young people wherever they are – at school, in the community or online – encouraging them to discover and develop their unique musical voice. 

Tilly (Health and Wellbeing Administrator at London Friend) and Fiona (Communications and Marketing Manager for Abram Wilson) both took part in Stronger Voices, our strategic communications training programme for London-based equality organisations. We caught up with them recently to hear about their experiences and the impact the programme has had on both their organisations, and themselves. 

What made you apply to join Stronger Voices?

Tilly: While communications were something we were passionate about as an organisation, we were limited by both skills and funding. Additionally, we recognised that we possessed a wealth of knowledge on certain issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. Therefore, we applied to Stronger Voices, hoping it would help us develop the skills to share our message more effectively, reach wider audiences, and prioritise our efforts given our limited capacity.

Fiona: We applied because, as a small organisation without a dedicated digital marketing team, our comms capacity was stretched across very different audiences and platforms. While we’d seen success in fundraising and engagement, we lacked the time and strategy to target effectively or build stronger media relationships. We joined to strengthen our communications; amplify the voices of the young people and artists we support and increase visibility for our cause. 

What were some of the highlights of being part of the programme?

Tilly: Being able to meet everyone in the cohort was definitely a highlight, as working in a small charity or organisation can often be unique and somewhat isolating. Meeting people in similar roles and working on similar causes was incredibly rewarding, as it allowed me to learn about their projects, draw inspiration for my own work, and gain valuable insights. It was also reassuring to hear about challenges others had faced, as this created opportunities for shared learning and mutual support. 

Fiona: Some of the highlights included being part of a diverse cohort of organisations who share similar values and challenges, which gave us the chance to exchange ideas and support each other. Specific workshops stood out for their practical focus, helping us to think strategically about communications, audience segmentation and media engagement. The mix of structured learning and peer-to-peer discussion made the experience both highly relevant and energising! 

What would you say is unique about Stronger voices that separates it from other training programmes?

Tilly: What I found unique and incredibly beneficial about Stronger Voices was the depth of discussion around complex topics, both from the trainers and the cohort. There were many inspiring yet nuanced conversations, ranging from trans rights in the media to our use of AI.  

Nothing ever felt black or white, and I really appreciated how these discussions were actively encouraged, especially during the peer networking sessions. For example, as an LGBTQ+ organisation, we often feel uncertain about engaging with mainstream media due to harmful representations of trans people.  

The Stronger Voices programme provided a platform to explore this issue in depth, comparing it with other areas, such as refugee rights, to help us understand when the media could support our cause and when it might be better to approach it cautiously. 

Fiona: What makes Stronger Voices unique is the way it combines high-quality comms training with a deep understanding of the equalities sector. It created space to reflect on intersectionality in our messaging, while also providing sector-specific expertise, media connections and a supportive community.  

What impact has participating in the programme had on you and your organisation?

Tilly: Stronger Voices has given me a significant confidence boost in my communication skills since starting the programme. Comparing my social media posts from before Stronger Voices to now, I can clearly see how much stronger my messaging has become, leading to better engagement and growth in our audience. This increased confidence has also encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, experimenting with different types of content such as videos, Reels and ad boosted posts. 

Fiona: The programme has given us both clarity and confidence in our communications. We have since developed a focused 12-month comms strategy, with a clearer understanding of our core audiences and how best to reach them.  

For me personally, it has been an important professional development opportunity – building my skills and confidence as the person responsible for day-to-day communications. For the organisation, Stronger Voices has meant greater visibility, stronger media and sector connections, and the ability to better amplify the stories of the young people and artists we support.

Apply for Stronger Voices now 

Applications are now open for our next Stronger Voices cohort! 

We are looking for 20 London-based equalities organisations to take part in this free six-month strategic communications training programme, running from November 2025 to May 2026. 

Just like London Friend and Abram Wilson, you’ll gain the skills, confidence, and support to: 

• Amplify your organisation’s voice
• Reach wider audiences
• Make a real impact in your community

By taking part, you can learn how to actively shape media narratives and inspire a fairer, more just future for the communities you work with.