It is important to create the right space for someone who wants to talk about their concerns and to listen in an attentive and respectful way.

Knowing about and understanding the level of stigma and discrimination associated with the LGBTI+, community is a good place to help them and their families break down these barriers and make it safer for LGBTI+ people to express who they are and support well-being.

You can read more below:

A more in-depth study:

This HSE produced leaflet has many tips on what LGBTI+ people can watch out for in relation to their mental health and how they can be supported by others.

There is also an LGBT asylum seeker peer support group and more information is available at https://lgbt.ie/training/

For members of the travelling community supports are available at https://www.paveepoint.ie/project/lgbtq/. Contact 01-8780255

Key issues aimed at and improving the quality of life and wellbeing of LGBTI+ people and promoting inclusion and protecting rights can be read in this Government publication as many people in this cohort experience a lot of stress and anxiety due to their sexual orientation.

This is a good resource for Parents and members of the LGBTI+ community. https://www.belongto.org/youngpeople/betteroutthaninhub/

Find out more about the challenges faced by the LGBTQI+ community and supports that are available at https://www.aware.ie/webinars/mental-health-lgbti-community/

In Ballina, county Mayo LGBTI+ Out West (www.outwest.ie) can be contacted on their helpline at 0949372479 on Thursday nights between 8pm and 10pm and for general inquiries/information call 0879725586 and chat to a fully trained volunteer.

Find out more about their warm and welcoming drop-in centre for members of the LGBT+ community and friends at https://outwest.ie/dropin-centre/

Family peer support workers support and welcome people of all gender, sexual orientation and cultural backgrounds in their service and you can contact us here.

This is a national organisation that provides support, training and advocacy services to LGBT+ people and to people in the community at large.  It also aims to enhance visibility, rights and inclusion of lgbt people and their families across Ireland.  The organisation can be contacted either online or by phone at:

Monday – Thursday 6.30pm to 10pm

Friday from 4pm to 10pm

Saturday – Sunday 4pm to 6pm

An online text service is available during the above times using the LGBT website (www.lgbt.ie ) which is primarily used by younger people.  You can also access information on peer support groups from their website.

Head Office details:

LGBT Ireland, 7 Red Cow Lane, Smithfield, Dublin 7.  Tel:  01 6859280

“A long time ago I asked myself, do I want to be right, or do I want to be kind?. I opted for kind”.

Jane Lynch