Youth services across Ireland awarded for LGBTQ+ inclusion 

Youth services being awarded work with over 2,500 young people across Ireland

Nine youth services from across Ireland were awarded Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland’s Rainbow Award on Wednesday, 29 January at a ceremony at The Clarence Hotel, Dublin 2. 

The awardees were recognised for their work as part of the Rainbow Award initiative which is dedicated to creating LGBTQ+ inclusive youth services. 

The nine organisations operate across Ireland, with representatives travelling from as far Donegal and Limerick to the award ceremony, and collectively work with over 2,500 young people.  

The event was hosted by newly announced RTÉ 2FM presenter Aisling Bonner and attended by a number of TDs and public sector representatives.   

The Rainbow Award initiative was established by Belong To in 2023 to support and accredit LGBTQ+ safe and supportive youth services. Over the course of 12 to 18 months, youth services are supported in implementing evidence-based actions across a number of key areas, which research shows improve the wellbeing and safety of LGBTQ+ youth.​  

The initiative is supported by ETBI, City of Dublin ETB and the National Youth Council of Ireland.  

Awardees 

The nine youth services presented with their awards include: 

• Belvedere Youth Club, Dublin 1  

• Southill Hub, Southill, Co. Limerick  

• Young Social Innovators, Glasnevin, Dublin 9  

• Brú Youth Services, Walkinstown, Dublin 12  

• Belong To – Dublin Youth Service, Dublin 2  

• Donegal Youth Service, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal   

• Bradóg Youth Service, Dublin 1 

• Familibase, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10  

• Crosscare Bray, Bray, Co. Wicklow   

Speaking about the awards, Deputy CEO of Belong To Sinéad Keane (she/her) said: “There are LGBTQ+ young people in every part of Ireland. As a society, we owe these young people an adolescence that not only accepts their identities but celebrates the diversity of their experiences and lives. That is what the Rainbow Award is all about – providing LGBTQ+ young people with a space to feel safe and welcome. Last year, our Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland report showed that 84% of LGBTQ+ people indicated that having a connection with the LGBTQI+ community through groups is one of the most important positive factors for their mental health. This work can have a huge impact on the life and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ young people.  

“It is great to have the opportunity to recognise the work of all nine of the youth services being awarded this year. They have done amazing work to make their services inclusive for all young people – and we’re delighted to have been able to support them on that journey. The impact of their work is being felt by the people already in their services and will be felt the many thousands that will come through their doors in the future.”  

Also commenting on the night was 14 year old Barra John (he/him), who attends Crosscare Bray Youth Service in Wicklow, saying: “It’s great to be here and to get the award. I have been attending Crosscare Bray for three years and have seen the work that is being done by all the team there to make the service feel safe for everyone. It means so much to see even the small changes being made so that LGBTQ+ young people feel welcome and fully able to be ourselves. I know it has made a difference to me. And it’s exciting to be here tonight to meet with lots of other services also taking part in lots of different places in Ireland. It feels like a real community.”  

Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland is the national organisation supporting LGBTQ+ youth across the country. Applications are now open for youth services and organisations who would like to work towards achieving the Rainbow Award in 2026. For more information, visit www.belongto.org. 

[ENDS] 

Notes to Editors  

Contact:  

For more information, please contact: 

• Darragh McGirr, Belong To | 086 259 9369 or darragh@belongto.org   

• Sinead Keane, Belong To | 087 768 0389 or sinead@belongto.org 

Belong To is the national organisation for LGBTQ+ young people in Ireland. Since 2003, Belong To has worked with LGBTQ+ youth to create a society where they are equal, safe, and thriving. Belong To offers advice, information, and crisis counselling for LGBTQ+ youth, and supports LGBTQ+ youth groups across Ireland. Through training, they ensure LGBTQ+ young people are met by professionals, organisations, and services who are educated to meet and support their needs. The organisation also campaigns to ensure policy formation and practice is informed by the voice and experiences of LGBTQ+ young people. www.belongto.org