Research shows that the most common age for a person to first know they are LGBT is now age 12. While not everyone will be aware of their LGBT identity at this early age, it is increasingly common for young people to be starting the process of ‘Coming Out’ while still at school.
This can be a difficult time for a young person, with negative reactions and bullying a major concern, and it is important for their mental health and well- being that support is available at this stage.
shOUT works with LGBT or Questioning young people aged 14-17 and18-21 years of age in the Galway region. Through weekly social meetings, shOUT aims to provide a place where young LGBT people can be themselves and socialise with their peers in an open and accepting environment.
Tel: 087 773 8529
Email: shout@youthworkgalway.ie/
Web: http://www.lgbtyouthgalway.com/lgbt-youth-galway
FB: https://www.facebook.com/shOUTGalway
SMILY LGBT Youth group meets each week from 5-7pm every Thursday. SMILY LGBT+ offers a safe space for teens aged 14-23 that maybe lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or youths questioning their sexual or gender identity.
Address: Rockwood Parade, Sligo Town, Co. Sligo
Tel: 089 482 0330
Email: smilyyouthlgbt@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/smilysligo
BALLINA: This group is for young people aged 13-17 years who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and their friends. The group is operated by Foroige, please contact Stephanie before attending meetings for the first time.
The group meets every second Friday from 6-7.30pm.
Address: Neighbourhood Youth Project, Pearse Street, Ballina
Tel: Contact Mary at 086 1437402
BALLINROBE: This club is open to LGBTI+ young people, their friends, and young people who may be questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is a safe place for young LGBTI+ people to be themselves and it is open to all young people who care about LGBTI+ issues.
The group meets every second Thursday from 4.00-6.15pm.
Address: Youth Booth, The Maple Youth Centre, Bowgate St, Ballinrobe
Tel: (Grace) 087 7714 967
Email: ballinrobeyouthcafe@gmail.com
CASTLEBAR: Youth Group for LGBTI + young people and their allies (ages 12 -18). Where you can drop in have fun and share ideas with others.
Feel free to contact us and take part, meetings take place on a bi-weekly basis from 6-8pm on Thursdays.
Address: Forige Hub, The Mall, Castlebar
Tel: 086 8371339
Email: katie.nolan@faroige.ie
Email: GMITequality@hotmail.com Web: facebook.com/lgbtgmit
University of Galway Bród Soc
Email: brodsoc@socs.nuigalway.ie
Web: facebook.com/BrodSocNUIG
Email: itslgbt@gmail.com Web: facebook.com/ITSLGBT
Jigsaw Galway is a free, non-judgemental and confidential support service for young people (15-25) living in Galway city and county. They provide guidance and support for young people who are going through a difficult or distressing time, and for those concerned about a young person in their life.
Tel: 091 549252
Email: galway@jigsaw.ie Web: www.jigsaw.ie/galway
Jigsaw Roscommon is a free, non-judgemental and confidential support service for young people (15-25) living in Roscommon Town and county. Tel: 0906 665087
Email: www.jigsaw.ie/roscommon
Web: roscommon@jigsaw.ie