LGBTIQ+
Here at Castlehaven, we strive to create safe, inclusive, and accessible spaces for the LGBTIQ+ community. We are committed to providing judgement-free activities and sessions where identities are celebrated, and everyone feels welcome.
We work with local organisations to provide events, activities, and warm and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ people to come together, exercise, and enjoy a variety of activities and services. Check out our partnerships below.
The Outside Project
We have a long-standing relationship with The Outside Project, London’s LGBTIQ+ Community Shelter and Refuge. When the organisation began, we provided spaces for their weekly social sessions and hosted their annual Outsider Pride picnic in our Community Park.
Since then, we’ve opened our Community Centre on Christmas Day for the project to provide food, shelter, and entertainment for local homeless and vulnerable LGBTIQ+ people. We also welcome The Outsiders Project every Wednesday on our sports pitch for their weekly football training session (the fittingly named Outsiders United). This session falls under the umbrella of our Health Haven project and provides a safe and inclusive space for LGBTIQ+ people who have difficulty accessing sports.
The Black Community Hub
The Black Cap Community Hub is a free sober drop-in for LGBTIQ+ people and friends which takes place every Monday from 6 – 9 pm in our Community Kitchen. Attendees can meet friends, watch films, and enjoy arts & crafts. They can also enjoy yummy snacks and occasional visits from partnering organisations offering free haircuts, advice on sexual health and more.
The Community Hub was established in response to the loss of the Black Cap and the lack of LGBTIQ+ spaces in Camden Town. The Black Cap pub was a prominent LGBTIQ+ venue in Camden and London, offering a safe space for queer and trans people from different generations and backgrounds to meet. The Black Cap, a legendary pub in Camden Town, has been closed since 2015. While there are plans for it to reopen, for now, the traditions and legacy of this venue live on in the weekly Community Hub.
Opening Dorrs London
Over the years, we have built a strong relationship with Opening Doors, a charity providing activities, events, information, and support services specifically for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people over 50.
Their Women’s Film Club meets every third Thursday of the month in our Community Kitchen to watch predominantly lesbian and bisexual-themed films, from classics to lesser-known gems.