Donegal Youth Service in association with Belong To and the HSE have recently set up a new youth drop-in service for LGBT young people. The group, which is open to young people aged 14-18 who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, meets weekly.
The service is open to young people from across the county of Donegal and aims to provide a safe space where young people can be themselves without fear of prejudice. The service, recently given the title ‘breakOUT’ by group members, has been in oper
ation for just over a month and is staffed by Donegal Youth Service youth workers. This is the first service of its kind in Donegal and the venture has gone from strength to strength in terms of support from the community and local community organisations.
Donegal Youth Service Regional Director, Lorraine Thompson says:“This initiative is long overdue in Donegal. We are delighted to be at the forefront of this Service and feel this will be extremely beneficial to a group of young people who at times may find themselves marginalised and at risk of bullying.’
The set up of the group has come about through links with BeLonG To, a national support service for LGBT young people. BeLonG To National Network Manager, David Carroll says he is delighted to see the development of services for LGBT young people in Donegal.
“Up until recently in Ireland, LGBT young people were invisible in their communities, vulnerable in their identities and underserved by services. Thankfully, this is changing for the better. The latest LGBT youth group, Breakout, is an example of this change. Again and again young people who identify as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender cite the need for a 'safe space' where they can access peer support from other young people. Since we set up our service in Dublin six years ago, we have had young people travelling from all over the country to access support. Now that young people in Donegal have a group to access locally, this will contribute greatly to the wellbeing of LGBT young people in Letterkenny and beyond."
Anne McAteer, Health Promotion HSE West has also welcomed the establishment of breakout. "Health Promotion is delighted to be a partner to this much needed new service for young people. 'breakOUT' will provide emotional support to a group of young people who are often vulnerable and experience isolation and discrimination. The establishment of breakOUT in Donegal represents an important positive step in promoting equality and giving a voice to young people from the LGBT community."
Parentstop is now offering a drop-in information service for parents of young people who identify as LGBT also. You can contact Parentstop at 33 Celtic Apartments in Letterkenny or telephone (074)9177249.
If you or someone you know would be interested in attending the LGBT drop in service, please contact Sheena or Marty on our text line (085) 7411607, you can e-mail lgbt@donegalyouthservice.ie or find out more online at www.bebo.com/lgbtcdonegal for more information. New members are always welcome and feel free to bring along a friend for support! Confidentiality is assured.
