A new LGBTQ+ project has launched across the Newry, Mourne and Down District, as well as County Louth. Entitled ‘PEACEPLUS’, the programme will focus on two key areas: community empowerment and capacity building.
The project was spearheaded by Outcomers LGBT+ Support Service and, over the next couple of years, will feature cross-community activities designed to increase awareness, understanding and respect for LGBTQ+ people. The programme will include things like peer and social groups, coffee and craic sessions, talks and guest speakers, and cross-border visits, offering opportunities to share learnings and build connections.
Professional LGBTQ+ inclusion training will also be available to people working in the public and voluntary sectors. The sessions will focus on increasing understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences and developing culturally sensitive and inclusive services, with the goal of helping organisations create safer and more welcoming spaces.
Speaking about PEACEPLUS, Outreach Facilitator Annie Blake said, “A big part of what we want to create is opportunities for LGBT+ people in rural areas to meet and take part in activities in a relaxed and welcoming environment. We’ll be developing the programme with the people taking part, so I’m particularly looking forward to hearing what participants want from it and building activities around the communities we’re working with.”
While the new LGBTQ+ project is already underway across the Newry, Mourne and Down District and Louth, an official launch event will take place on September 16 in Dundalk. Anyone interested in taking part can follow Outcomers on Instagram for updates or call them on 0429329816.
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Outcomers is a not-for-profit support and befriending organisation, serving LGBTQ+ individuals, families and communities across Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan since 1996. The service has been contracted by Louth County Council to deliver this programme as part of the County Louth PEACEPLUS Action Plan. PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body; find out more here.
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