Cara-Friend has been serving and empowering the LGBTQI+ community in Northern Ireland since 1974. We provide:
WHO WE ARE
LGBTQI+ Inclusive Business Charter
The LGBTQI+ Inclusive Business Charter is an invaluable training package which enables businesses to address inclusivity, equality and respect within their workplace. The Charter also highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of LGBTQI+ issues.
LGBTQI+ Youth Services
We operate LGBTQI+ youth groups for those aged 12-25 in several locations across Northern Ireland. They are fun, safe spaces for LGBTQI+ young people where they can be themselves.
Advocacy, Campaigning, Policy and Volunteering
We advocate for our community, campaign for change, advise on policy, and offer volunteering opportunities for those who wish to get involved.
Family Support Project
The aim of the Family Support group is to try to prepare parents, children, relatives, friends – and just about anyone – on how to support an LGBTQI+ person in your family or within your group of friends.
LGBTQI+ Awareness Training
This training is for all schools, community groups, businesses and public bodies who wish to increase their awareness of the LGBTQI+ community and the issues this community faces. This is a great opportunity to discuss language, best practice, and offers a space to ask questions in a safe and constructive environment.
LGBTQI+ Inclusive Schools’ Charter
The LGBTQI+ Inclusive Schools’ Charter is an invaluable programme of events, activities and targets which enable schools to address inclusivity, equality and respect within an educational environment. Through proactive measures your school will improve the experience of LGBTQI+ students, while promoting inclusivity for all.
LGBTQI+ Switchboard / Helpline
Have you ever had something you need to talk about, perhaps something you need to get off your chest? Maybe you need information relating to your sexual orientation or gender identity? Perhaps you feel isolated, or maybe just want to know that there are other lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans people in the world. Our trained volunteers will provide a listening ear & can help you to explore your options.
LGBTQI+ Domestic Abuse Project
The Domestic Abuse Project addresses violence against women and girls and is aimed at women and girls age 12 years + from the LBTI community (Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Trans or Intersex) community who have experienced or are at risk of domestic or sexual violence and abuse.
LGBTQI+ Community Development & Events
Cara-Friend is generously funded by Belfast City Council to run our Community Development Project for Belfast. This involves organising community events each year, advocating on behalf of the LGBTQI+ community for the promotion of inclusivity, communications, training, and exploring the history of the LGBTQI+ community.
LGBTQI+ Mental Health & Mindfulness Project
Taking care of our mental health is important. With one on one and group support our new Mental Health & Mindfulness Project can help to give you the tools to take charge of your own mental, emotional and physical well-being.
MORE FROM CARA-FRIEND
We offer support through our different services including LGBTQI+ Switchboard NI, Cara-Friend LGBTQI+ Youth, Family Ties Project and through our free counselling services.
All of the services we provide are completely confidential.
Latest Blog Posts
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
- Posted by Declan Meehan
- On March 16, 2020
The Cara-Friend offices are currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, our team are working from home and can be contacted by...
Remembering Lyra McKee
- Posted by Declan Meehan
- On April 19, 2019
The LGBTQI+ community has been shocked, saddened and angered to hear of the death of Lyra McKee. She was a beloved and...
Educating the Educators Sessions in 7 Locations
- Posted by Declan Meehan
- On March 1, 2019
Educating the Educators returns to Northern Ireland for Spring 2019. Over the course of March and April we will offer free capacity...
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15th - 26th February 2022:![]()
'Callings', a poignant new political play that follows the lives of five people who sought sanctuary and community through Cara-Friend's phoneline and befriending service set up in the 1970’s to support a hidden LGBTQI+ community. ![]()
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Charged with the music of the day, and set amidst a storm of anti-gay headlines, Callings delves deep into the struggle for survival which queer people faced on a daily basis and how even simple acts of connection can change the course of a life. ![]()
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Callings explores how these bright and resilient individuals found themselves and each other during oppressive times. In an era when the government attempted to quash their right to love, this group’s sheer existence was an act of resistance and joy. ![]()
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From rallying against the Save Ulster from Sodomy campaign to celebrating the right to exist won through the Dudgeon vs UK trial, Callings looks at the historical challenges faced by LGBTQI+ communities, and celebrates just how far we’ve come. ![]()
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In association with Outcomers and the Kabosh Theatre Company, written by Dominic Montague and directed by Paula McFetridge.![]()
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Funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and the Garfield Weston Foundation. ![]()
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Booking Information:![]()
15th – 17th February Lyric Theatre Belfast ![]()
18th February Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, Derry~Londonderry![]()
19th February The Market Place Theatre, Armagh![]()
22nd February The Ardhowen, Enniskillen![]()
23rd February Strule Arts Centre, Omagh![]()
25th February An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk![]()
26th February The Riverside, Coleraine![]()
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Book now at kabosh.net/production/callings/
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
Set in the 1970s, #Callings follows the lives of gay/lesbian ppl who sought community through @CaraFriendNI phoneline service. Presented by @KaboshTheatre. Friday 25th February at 8pm.
🎫€16 / €14 (plus €1.50 booking fee per ticket)
@ArtsCouncilNI @WestonFdn @OutcomersLGBT
