Cara Friend has a number of resources for services available. We offer sign posting to organisations and resources to fit a variety of needs. If you do not see what you need on our list please call out help line!
Info: Outburst organises the annual Outburst Queer Arts Festival as well as periodic events through the year. Limited volunteering opportunities are available.
Web: www.outbursts.com
Email: info@outburstarts.com hello@outburstarts.com
Info: Belfast based LGBTQI+ choir and associated social group. Quire welcome new members at auditions every spring and autumn. Small membership fee applies with concessionary rate.
Web: www.quire.org.uk
Email: info@quire.org.uk
Info: The Rainbow Project provides professional, confidential, counselling services to men who are attracted to men. All of our counsellors are BACP/IACP* registered, and identify as gay/bisexual themselves. Rainbow provides: – One-to-one counselling for gay/bisexual men, men who are attracted to men, or those unsure of their sexual orientation. – Counselling for young people ages 14 years and over. – Short-term therapeutic support for the families of gay, bisexual young people. – Couples counselling – Groupwork, personal development programmes and workshops for gay/bi men. Open Monday- Friday 10am-5.30pm.
Email:counselling@rainbow-project.org Web: http://www.rainbow-project.org/
Pose: Philip House 23/137 York Street Belfast BT15 1AB 56 Strand Road Derry BT48 7AJ Info: Aware Defeat Depression offers a range of services including a Helpline, information services and local support groups. Tele: 08451202961
Info: An LGB&T social/support group for 14-23 year olds that provides direct youth work services to LGB&T young people in Dublin and support services to LGB&T youth groups across the country. Office hours are Monday – Friday 9.30am to 1pm and then again from 2pm to 5pm. Appointments with youth workers can be made by calling the office, the Youth Work team are unavailable on Fridays. Regional Groups are available and can be found on the website. Address: Parliament House, 13 Parliament Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Tele: 00353016706223 Web: www.belongto.org
Info: Family Mediation offers mediation sessions for parents as an alternative to conflict during divorce or separation. The service is available at venues across Northern Ireland and may be free in some cases, check for details. Post: Family Mediation NI 7 University Street Belfast BT7 1FY TEL: 90243265 Tel: 028 9024 3265 Director: Joan Davis – Email: joan@familymediationni.org.uk Co-ordinator: Diane Hammond Email: enquiry@familymediation.org.ukWeb: http://www.familymediationni.org.uk
Info: Confidential telephone support and information service for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, their parents, families and friends, and to anyone who has concerns relating to sexuality. Available from Monday to Friday, 6.30pm to 9.00pm, Saturday 2.00pm-6.00pm and Sundays and Bank Holidays from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. Weekly Drop-In service Saturdays 2pm – 4pm at: Outhouse 105 Capel Street Dublin 1
Tele: 01(003531)8721055 Email: info@gayswitchboard.ie Web: www.gayswitchboarddublin.ie
Info: LLGS Provides information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men, bisexual, trans people and anyone who needs to consider issues around their sexuality. All volunteers identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual. Tel: 0300 330 0630 DAILY 10am – 11PM Office: 02078376768 Web: www.llgs.org.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/llgsuk
Info: The LGBTQI+ Inclusive Schools Programmes is a free training programme that covers all aspects of school which are important to improve the experiences of LGBTQI+ students in Northern Ireland. It involves awareness training for teachers and school staff providing models of good practice and ensure they have the capacity to provide inclusive and responsive care to LGBTQI+ young people.
Contact number: 02890890202
Info: Support, information and social events for LGB&T Students at Belfast Met
Call in: BMC, Student’s Union Office, 1st Floor, Titanic Quarter campus
Contact: Head of SU: Paul Docherty
Tele: 90265059
Web: Currently using the Belfast Met SU Facebook page.
Info: society in queens university students union supporting and empowering LGB&T students and the wider community and organising ongoing meetings and social events.
Web: www.facebook.com and search for QUB LGB&T Society
Info: Society at the UU Coleraine campus offering support and organising social events for LGB&T Students
Web: www.facebook.com and search for UUC LGBTQI+
Email: uuclgbt@gmail.com
Info: LGB&T Society on Magee provides a forum for LGB&T on campus and encourages participation by students in order to reduce potential isolation of LGB&T members.
Contact: Jodie – societies@uusu.org
Info: Support, information and social events for LGB&T students at Belfast Met.
Call in: BMC, Student’s Union Office 1st Floor, Titanic Quarter Campus
Tele: 028 9026 5059
Email: BAR1006432@student.belfastmet.ac.uk
Info: Society in Queen’s Students Union Support and empowering LGB&T students and the wider community and organising ongoing meetings and social events.
On Facebook search for QUB LGB&T Society
Info: Society at the UU Coleraine Campus offering support and organising social events for LGB&T students.
On Facebook search for UUC LGB&T
Info: Society at the UU Magee Campus offering support and organising social events for LGB&T students.
On Facebook search for LGB&T Magee
Info: Society at the UU Belfast campus offering support and organising social events for LGB&T students
Email: lgbt.uub@live.com
On Facebook search for UUB LGB&T
Info: Support and information for LGB&T members of UNISON Trade Union
Post: UNISON
Sir James Galway House
165 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AL
Contact: Fidelma Carolan
Tele: 08000857857 (voice)/ 02890756849 (text)
Email: f.carolan@unison.co.uk
Info: “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans workers – Unite working for your rights”
Contact: Taryn Trainor
Contact number: 02830232381
Email: taryn.trainor@unitetheunion.org
Email: lgbt@unitetheunion.org
Info: The GPA offers advice and support to LGB&T PSNI staff.
Web: www.gay.police.uk
The NASUWT Centre is open Mondays to Fridays from 8.30am to 5.30pm. Members requiring professional support out of hours should contact their Local Association Secretary or National Executive Member.
Post: Teacher’s Union
Ben Madigan House
Edgewater Office Park
Edgewater Road
Contact: Lynn Moore
TEL: 02890784480
EMAIL: rc-nireland@mail.nasuwt.org.uk
Website: www.nasuwt.org.uk
Contact number: 02890321442
Family Ties is a project of Cara-Friend and The Rainbow Project. The Family Ties Project aims to provide practical advice, guidance and support to parents who are perhaps coming to terms with a child who has revealed themselves to be LGB, or for parents who perhaps suspect themselves that their child is LGB and do not know what to do.
Family Ties has produced a booklet called ‘Family Ties- A Guide for Parents who have Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual Children’
Tel: 0289031 9030
Email: lee.cullen@cara-friend.org.uk
Contacts: Lee Cullen & Michael Gray Sloan
Information, advice and support on sexual health, sex and relationships. To find your nearest center Go to the Family Planning Association website.
Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) for information or advice on sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) ot yo discuss any issue on sexual health, you should contact your nearest GUM clinic. They also provide check-ups and treatments.
Royal Victoria Hospital Tele: 0289063 405 : Belfast
Atnagelvin Hospital Tele: 02871611269 : Derry
Causeway Hospital Tele: 0287034 6028 : Coleraine
Daisy Hill Hospital Tele: 0283083 5050 : Newry
Downe Hospital Tele: 0282861 3311 : Downpatrick
Family Mediation offers mediation sessions for parents as an alternative to conflict during divorce or separation. The service is available at venues across Northern Ireland and may be free in some cases, check for details.
Family Mediation NO
7 University Street
Belfast
BT7 1FY
Tele:028 9024 3265
Email: enquiry@familymediationni.org.uk
Origin Fertility Care was founded in 2002 and is located in East Belfast in quiet and serene surroundings. We actively welcome individuals, heterosexual and same sex couples from the Republic of Ireland, UK and further afield.
Tele: 028 9076 1713
Email: info@originfertilitycare.com
Website: www.originfertilitycare.com
Facebook: facebook.com/OriginFertility
Twitter: @OriginFertility
Post: Origin Fertility Care
380 Belmont Road
Belfast
BT4 2NF
To find registered Childcare in your local area visit: familysupportni.gov.uk
Tele: 0845 600 6483
McLernon Moynagh Solicitors
A gay friendly law form that can help you deal with all your legal matters.
We specialise in:
-Civil Partnership registration & dissolution
-Family & Matrimonial Matters
-House Sales & Purchases
-Wills & Tax Planning
-Criminal Law & Personal Injury
-Litigation & Business Support
Free Initial Consultation: Contact us to make an appointment
(028) 9042 2038 (24 hour on call)
Offering the Lesbian Guide to Getting Pregnant, and information about civil partnerships, adoption, employment issues and training, support and research for Lesbian and Bisexual women.
Our mission is to promote the full inclusion of lesbian and bisexual women in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties.
Our vision is that all lesbian and bisexual women are visible, included and valued in all aspects of society.
Belfast LBGT Centre
3rd Floor
9-13 Waring Street
Belfast BT1 2DX
Tele: 028 9024 9452
Email: hello@hereni.org
Offering family gender support for those seeking information and support around issues of Gender Dysphoria in Northern Ireland.
Mob: 075 1022 8411
Email: sail@transgenderni.com
Raising awareness of eating disorders in young men
Post: 15 Muskett Glen
Carryduff
Contact: Pam Nugent
Tele: 07989 161712
Email: thelaurencetrust@hotmail.co.uk or info@thelaurencetrust.co.uk
Web: www.thelaurencetrust.co.uk
A running and walking group in South Belfast for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, their friends and supporters no matter what their athletic ability – support and encouragement offered to beginners. Runs are usually followed by a special for coffee etc. nearby.
The group run at 6:30 PM on Tuesday evenings and at 10:00 AM on Saturday mornings around the South Belfast area.
Post: Black Mountain Zen Centre
1st Floor, 64 Donegall Street
Cathedral Buildings,
Belfast, BT1 2GT
Info: A community of LGBTQI+Q people who sit meditation together in a friendly and welcome environment. They welcome those of no experience and those with years of it alike.
Tele: 028 90244010
Email: steve@cara-friend.org.uk
Web: www.lgbtmeditationbelfast.org.uk
Contact: Steve Williamson
Info: Faith and Pride is an organisation with one simple point: you can be Christian and gay. It is run by a group of gay Christians, who have accumulated experience as Anglicans, Catholics, Christadelphians, Methodists, Non-Subscribing Presbyterians, and Presbyterians.
Info: Cycling Club for LGBTQI+ people and their friends. ‘A chance to make new friends & get some exercise’. Meet every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7:00 PM at Newry Sports Centre, Patrick Street, Newry. Contact Newry Rainbow Community for more information.
Belfast LGBTQI+ Centre
23-31 Waring Street
Belfast BT1 2DX
Email:colinflinn@hotmail.co.uk
Web: www.Outnabout-NI.org.uk
Also search for Out & About (NI) on Facebook
Info: A group aimed at men over 25 that organises monthly social events/club nights as an alternative scene to the general gay scene.
Web: www.menofthenorth.com
Info: An organisation that cater for gay/bisexual men wishing to explore their spiritual side.
Web: www.gathering05.co.uk
Contact: Re. Mervyn Kingston
The work of the Rainbow Project’s Sexual Health Development Officer includes providing information on sexual health, rapid HIV testing, community outreach, advocacy producing formation resources around HIV and STI’s. Primarily they work with gay and bisexual men, but will treat women or trans* who are risk e.g. sex workers, victims of sexual assault or sexual abuse, exposed to HIV, or have had sexual intercourse with men who have sex with men.
Tele: 028 903 19030
Email: info@rainbow-project.org
The Rainbow Project’s Mental Health Development Officer works to promote the health and well being of hay and bisexual men by providing services including information, support, resources and personal development workshops and programmes.
Tele: 028 903 19030
Email: info@rainbow-project.org
(All Ages)
The Rainbow Project provides professional, confidential, counselling services to men who are attracted to men. All of our counsellors are BACP/IACP registered and indetify as gay/bisexual themselves. Rainbow provides:
-One-to-one counselling for gay/bisexual men, who are attracted to men, or those unsure of their sexual orientation.
-Counselling for young people ages 14 years and over.
-Short-term therapeutic support for families of gay/bisexual young people.
-Couples counselling
-Groupwork, personal development programmes and workshops for gay/bisexual men.
Tele: 028 903 19030
Email: info@rainbow-project.org
Post: CQHQ, Belfast LGBTQI+ Centre
23-31 Waring Street
Belfast
BT1 2DX
Info: An organisation that addresses LGBTQI+ legal equality issues and addresses consultations on equality and LGBTQI+ issues.
Tele: 028 9066 5257 or 028 07913 224163
Email: nigra4@hotmail.com
Info:Free and confidential support service and information for victims of crime including victims of Hate Crime and Domestic Abuse as well as information on how to claim compensation for victims of violent crime.
Email: info@victimsupportni.org.uk
Tel: 028 9024 3313
Web: www.victimsupportni.co.uk
For information on reporting hate crime directly to the Hate Crime Signal Officer for your area please visit the PSNI Hate Crime Link here: PSNI Hate and Signal Crime
Or dial the PSNI Non-emergency number 101 if you are not in danger or 999 for an emergency.
If you would like to speak through an LGBTQI+ Advocate for Hate Crime & Housing/Homelessness Support you can contact:
The Rainbow Project The Rainbow Project (Foyle)
1st Floor, 9-13 Waring Street Orlan House
Belfast 20 Strand Road
BT1 2DX L’Derry BT48 7AB
Tele: (028) 9031 9030 Tel: (028) 7128 3030
Fax: (028) 9031 3031
Email: advocacy@rainbow-project.org
Web: www.rainbow-project.org
Info: An informal support network for people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds in Northern Ireland who as identify as being lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Meets in the Belfast LGBTQI+ Centre, Waring Street.
Email: gay.ethnic.group@gmail.com
Info: Outburst Organises the annual Outburst Queer Arts festival as well as periodic events through the year. Limited volunteering opportunities are available.
Web: www.outburstarts.com
Email: info@outburstarts.com
Info: Belfast based photography group.
Facebook group search for Light Writers
Info: Belfast based LGBTQI+ choir and associated social group. Quire welcome new members at auditions every spring and autumn. Small membership fee applies with concessionary rate.
Web: www.quire.org.uk
Union Street Bar – The Trudy Show
Maverick Bar -Lively Gay Venue
The John Hewitt – Open Mic Night
Swagger at El Divino- Forbidden Fruit
Union Street Bar- Grammie’s Fun Factory
Kremlin Nightclub -Klub 180 with DJ Kristian Nairn
Sunflower Bar – Open Mic Night 7 PM
Maverick Bar – Lively Gay Venue
Union Street Bar- Tina’s Stop the Clock
Kremlin Nightclub Slosh the Regal MC and friends
Sunflower Bar – Open Mic Night 7 PM
Maverick Bar – Lively Gay Venue
Union Street Bar- Okie Dokie with Trudy Scumptious
Kremlin Nightclub – Deuce with DJ Jamesy
Maverick Bar – Lively Gay Venue
Union Street Bar- Cabaret with Glitzy Glamour
Kremlin Nightclub -Karnival Fun Nite with foam parties, fancy dress and live acts plus the usual dance and house classics in red square and pop in the long room.
Maverick Bar -Vagabond with DJ Marion Hawkes from 9pm.
Boombox – Special Nites such as Fuzzbox and Cameo
Kremlin Nightclub – Revolution
Union Street Bar – Karaoke from 4pm with Tina Leggs and Time Tunnel from 9pm with Grannie Gary
Maverick Bar – Groovebound from 8PM
Boombox – DJ Boylan with Guests
Titanic Bar (Yard 401 Club) – Candy Crush Saturgays
Union Street Bar – The Sunday Bingo Show
Kremlin Nightclub, Belfast – Free night Industry
Maverick Bar – Lively Gay Venue
Boombox – FUll Circle with DJ Millar
First Friday of every month – The Love Box – in BoomBox/Maverick Bar (ladies only)
Last Friday of each month – Men of the North @ Queens Cafe Bar – although venue changes – www.menofthenorth.com
Info: A running and walking group in South Belfast for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, their friends and supporters no matter what their athletic ability – support and encouragement offered to beginners. Runs are usually followed by a social for coffee etc. nearby.
The group runs at 6:30pm on Tuesday evenings at 10:00 am on Saturday mornings around the South Belfast area.
Find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belfast.runners?fref=nf
Post: Black Mountain Zen Centre
1st Floor, 64 Donegall Street
Cathedral Buildings,
Belfast, BT1 2GT
Info: A community of LGBTQI+Q people who sit meditation together in a friendly and welcome environment. They welcome those of no experience and those with years of it alike.
Tele: 028 90244010
Email: steve@cara-friend.org.uk
Web: www.lgbtmeditationbelfast.org.uk
Contact: Steve Williamson
Info: Faith and Pride is an organisation with one simple point: you can be Christian and gay. It is run by a group of gay Christians, who have accumulated experience as Anglicans, Catholics, Christadelphians, Methodists, Non-Subscribing Presbyterians, and Presbyterians.
Info: Cycling Club for LGBTQI+ people and their friends. ‘A chance to make new friends & get some exercise’. Meet every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7:00 PM at Newry Sports Centre, Patrick Street, Newry. Contact Newry Rainbow Community for more information.
Belfast LGBTQI+ Centre
23-31 Waring Street
Belfast BT1 2DX
Email:colinflinn@hotmail.co.uk
Web: www.Outnabout-NI.org.uk
Also search for Out & About (NI) on Facebook
Here NI is a community organisation and registered charity based in Belfast. We’re here to support lesbian and bisexual women and our families and improve the lives of L& B women across Northern Ireland. We do this in lots of different ways; through providing information; developing support networks in rural areas and towns; facilitating training; lobbying government and agencies on your behalf; offering a community space for meeting and much more.
Whether you want to connect with other lesbian and bisexual women in your area, find out about your rights, learn new skills or get involved as a volunteer, just get in touch or drop into our office in Belfast city centre. You can also explore this website to find out more about the services we offer and you’ll find lots of useful resources to help with any question you might have.
We offer peer support groups in the following areas:
-Coleraine
-Craigavon
-Derry
-Enniskillen
Belfast based groups:
-Family Group (for same sex parents and their kids)
-Basketball team (All welcome regardless of age or experience)
-Carer’s Group (for women who have caring responsibilities.
-Older lesbians group
-Drop In (All Welcome)
-Film Night (All Welcome)
Other Services
-One-to-One support (for those that are isolated)
HereNI
23-31 Waring Street,
Belfast, BT1 2DX
You can call us on: 028 9024 9452
or email us at hello@hereni.org
The Ladz project is a youth group for young gay and bisexual men in the North West of Northern Ireland.
id Girls is a social group for 12-25 year old lesbian and bisexual women.
12a Queen Street
Derry
BT48 7EG
Tele: 7128 3030
Email: manager@rainbow-project.org
Web: www.rainbow-project.org
Contact: Natalie Corbett
Cara-Friend LGB&T Youth offers programmes and safe social spaces to hang out with others just like you in the Belfast area. If you are 12-25, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning, you will find friendship and someone to listen. Check out Cara-Friend LGB&T Youth on the Cara-Friend Web page!
Post: Cara-Friend LGB&T Youth
23-31 Waring Street
Belfast BT1 2DX
Tele: 02890890202
Web: https://cara-friend.org.uk
The Rainbow Project provides professional, confidential, counselling services to men who are attracted to men. All of their counsellors are BACP/OACP registered, and identify as gay/sexual themselves. Rainbow provides:
-One-to One counselling for gay/bisexual men who are attracted to men, or those unsure of their sexual orientation.
-Counselling for young people aged 14 years and over.
-Short-term therapuetic support for families of gay/bi men.
-Couples Counselling
-Groupwork, personal development programmes and workshops for gay/bi men.
Tel: 0289031 9030
Email:counselling@rainbow-project.org
Web: www.rainbow-project.org
Info: The Belfast Butterfly Club is a support and social network for transgendered people and their families. By providing education and information, we seek to increase awareness, overcome discrimination and achieve equality.
PO Box 210
Belfast
BT1 1BG
Tele: 0289267 3720 (Wednesday 8-10 pm only)
Email: trans@belfastbutterflyclub.co.uk
linda.marshall@belfastbutterflyclub.co.uk
Web: www.belfastbutterflyclub.co.uk
Info: Counselling organisation for transgender and transsexual communities offering emotional and therapeutic support.
‘Gender Essence Support Service’
Antrim Confidential Counselling
Farranshane House
1 Ballygore Road Stiles Way
Anrtim
BT41 2RN
Tele: 07548 080 806
Email: info@genderessence.co.uk
Info: A support group for transgender people connected to the Gender Identity Clinic in Northern Ireland.
Email: oysters@youthnet.co.uk
Info: “A support group for transgender people, carers,friends,young people and individuals who are living with gender identity.” Local meetings as well as help by phone, email and web.
Tele: 07510 228 411
Email: sail@transgenderni.com
Faceboook SAIL NI
Info: A support group for young transgendered people based in Derry/Londonderry.
Contact the Rainbow Project Foyle for more information.
Tele: Rainbow Project Foyle 028 7128 3030
Info: An information website intended to be support for those seeking information and support around issues of Gender Dysphoria. It has been designed and created by members from the following groups: Youthnet, Oysters, The Butterfly Club, SAIL Newry and Mourne.
Translate
Translate is a youth group for young people up to the age of 25 who wish to meet with other young people to explore gender and identity.
For more information about the group including where and when it meets email: translate@transgenderni.com
Info: Support and Information for LGBTQI+ members of UNISON Trade Union
Post: UNISON
Sir James Galway House
165 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AL
Tele: 0845 355 0845 (voice) /0800 096 7968 (text)
Contact: Fidelma Carolan
Email: p.dooley@unison.co.uk
Web: www.unison.org.uk/out/
Infor: “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans workers – Unite working for your rights”
Tele: 028 9023 2381
Email lgbt@unitetheunion.org
Email: angela.meehan@unitetheunion.org
Info: The GPA offers advice and support to LGBTQI+ PSNI staff
Web: www.gay.police.uk
