For a community that faces many hardships, it is extremely important that the Irish LGBTQ+ community know how and where to get support for mental health.

According to a 2016 study done by LGBT Ireland, the nation’s queer youth have three times the rate of attempted suicide, two times the level of self-harm, and four times the level of anxiety and depression compared to findings from a 2012 survey which analysed Irish youth as a whole. These statistics are staggering and reflective of the experiences queer people have undergone. What’s more is that oftentimes when LGBTQ+ people search for help, they are met with resistance and inadequate support. According to a recent study by Mental Health Reform, 43% of LGBTQ+ people have had a negative experience with the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) mental health services.

However, there are a number of excellent resources available in Ireland designed specifically for LGBTQ+ people. It’s incredibly important and useful to reach out for professional help when you’re struggling, and the list below can give some guidance on where to start.

Helplines/Counselling
Due to Irish LGBTQ+ people being at risk of poor mental health, it is essential that there are systems set up specifically for the queer community that gives support when needed. A great resource for this is LGBTQ+ helplines and individual counselling sessions at queer organisations. Helplines give access to instant help which can be used in a moment of crisis or to take swift action.

Counselling that is specific to the queer experience allows LGBTQ+ people to have long-term support from people who understand the struggles and joys of being queer. Below are some LGBTQ+-specific helplines and counselling resources. 

The Switchboard: Ireland’s longest-running support service for the LGBTQ+ community, The Switchboard offers confidential and non-judgemental listening and support helplines seven days a week. It has volunteers who specialise in an array of different issues relevant to queer folk, including neurodiversity, kink, chemsex, asexuality and much more.

LGBT Ireland: LGBT Ireland supplies monthly peer support groups, multiple hotlines for intersecting identities and an online chat that operates seven days a week. This is a great resource for someone who is anxious about reaching out for help.

The Rainbow Project: TRP provides LGBTQ+-specific counselling in Northern Ireland, in the cities of Derry and Belfast. It has counselling services for young people, as well as for adults, couples and families. Its goal is to better the mental and physical health of the queer community in Northern Ireland.

Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI): TENI provides a gender identity and family support line, as well as an array of information surrounding support for trans, non-binary and other queer folk. It additionally has resources surrounding dealing with a moment of crisis.

Belong To: Belong To is Ireland’s national LGBTQ+ youth charity and provides non-judgemental one-on-one chat services, professional counselling, as well as a drug and alcohol support services and youth groups.  

SpunOut: SpunOut provides information on helpful support services as well as how to get help if you are a person in the LGBTQ+ community facing mental health problems. It allows 24-hour texting with a trained volunteer, is available every day of the week and is completely confidential.

Dublin Lesbian Line: DLL supports queer women+ so that they feel valued, equal, safe and celebrated in their diversity and experiences. It offers a helpline as well as online chat support, and organises social events from time to time too.

Insight Matters: Insight Matters is a family-owned counselling, psychotherapy and wellness centre providing a wide range of mental health and holistic services. It takes pride in being inclusive of diverse sexualities, gender identities, ethnicities, cultures and life experiences, and also aims to provide support to suit all budgets.

 

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Social Groups/Community Centres
Although immediate help like counselling and helplines are great solutions to help with mental health, sometimes being around people who understand what you’re going through and make you feel seen can similarly have a positive impact. Being in social community groups will allow for a connection with real people who know what you are dealing with and see you through your queer identity.

This is why community centres and social groups are so important for the queer community, especially for someone who is just starting to navigate their identity. 

Below are some LGBTQ+ social groups and community centres to try out.

Outhouse: Located in Dublin, Outhouse is a community-based support group for the Irish LGBTQ+ community. It offers multiple events daily for anyone and everyone to engage in, as well as resources for queer people who are struggling.

Gay Project: Gay Project is an NGO that holds events for gay, bi, trans and queer men. As well as hosting community groups, projects and workshops, it also works to improve LGBTQ+ experiences in Cork as well as the rest of Ireland.

Rainbow Refugees NI: Located in Belfast, Rainbow Refugees is a community-based group dedicated to creating a safe environment for LGBTQ+ refugees. It holds drop-in hours for the community to form social connections, and also hosts coffee hours and events for Pride.

Dundalk Outcomers: Dundalk Outcomers is a drop-in support group centre for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community. A group of volunteers works to create a safe and inviting environment for the queer community to claim.

Midlands LGBT+ Project: Midlands LGBT+ Project works to connect queer folk in the midlands to combat rural isolation and solitude. It offers a range of support groups and fun and engaging events, such as Pride celebrations.

OutWest: OutWest is made up of a group of volunteers dedicated to supporting and advocacy for LGBTQ+ people in Connacht. It provides a drop-in centre for members of the community to go and chat to feel supported, as well as a helpline that operates every Thursday night from 8pm to 10pm.

LINC: Located in Cork, LINC offers low-cost counselling and community events for bisexual and lesbian women, including drop-in hours four days a week. It also provides access to social groups and activities for those who want to join, and is the only NGO in Ireland working exclusively with women (cis and trans) who identify as lesbian or bisexual.

HIV Ireland: This non-profit advocates for individuals living with HIV while working to prevent new cases and combat stigma. It provides comprehensive information and support regarding sexually transmitted diseases, and offers free testing all around Ireland.

Queer Asian Pride Ireland: This NGO offers a safe space for Asian LGBTQ+ folk. It organises many amazing social events, including a film festival and mental health panel discussions.

 

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These are just some of the amazing Irish organisations providing support services available to LGBTQ+ folk in the country. Remember, it’s always a good idea to ask for help when you’re struggling, and you never have to go through anything alone.