Charity Spotlight: Belong To - LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland
Working with and for LGBTQ+ young people to create a society where we all belong
We'd like to know about your charity. Tell us who you are and what inspired the creation of your charity.
Belong To is the national organisation for LGBTQ+ young people and their families in Ireland. Founded in 2023, Belong To has grown from a youth project into a unique national services and advocacy organisation with and for LGBTQ+ children and young people.
Our mission is to work with and for LGBTQ+ young people to create a society where we all belong
What impact does your work have on the community?
Belong To offers advice, information and crisis counselling supports for LGBTQ+ youth, as well as supports for families to help them support their loved on.
They provide safe and fun spaces for young people to meet and individualised support with professionals such as youth workers. The charity runs schools and youth service programmes to develop inclusive and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth right across the country, and advocates with and for LGBTQ+ youth for inclusive policy and legislation.
Would you like to share a success story that really represents what you do?
James*, an 18 year old gay man, first came to one of our youth groups. But what I didn’t realise when I first saw him, was that he was terrified. James was walking in through our doors, saw me smile and welcome him. And then he left. He did this a few times, too afraid of what it might mean if people knew he was gay. Eventually, James stayed. He began coming to our youth groups weekly. Slowly, he found his voice. James, once too afraid to join our youth group, is now proud to be who he is.
Today, he’s a confident, happy young man who attends our groups regularly, takes part in Belong To activities. And earlier this year he even marched in his first Dublin Pride. Isn’t that incredible!
He’s now even encouraging other LGBTQ+ young people from his school to join us. This transformation is why Belong To exists - to help LGBTQ+ young people feel proud to be themselves.
How has being part of the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon supported your charity's mission?
We've been so lucky to be supported by parents, carers, teachers and allies that believe in the work we do. The amazing runners that have supported Belong To have shared their stories and ran to show that we all belong.
Contact Info:
Telephone: 01 6706219 | Email: chris@belongto.org | Website: Homepage - Belong To - LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland