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 is open every Saturday from 3pm to 5pm at the Crib, Rockwood Parade, Sligo, offering a safe space for teens that maybe LGBT or young people questioning their sexual or gender identity aged 14-23 years old.
Tel: 089 4820330
Email: smilyyouthlgbt@gmail.com
SWAG Mayo is a youth group for LGBT young people and their friends, where young people can meet like-minded people, have fun and discuss issues that affect them.
Tel: 086 3862094 / 087 6610650
Web: http://www.belongto.org/groups
Email: GMITequality@hotmail.com Web: facebook.com/lgbtgmit
NUIG GIG Soc
Email: gigsoc@gmail.com
Web: facebook.com/GiGSocNUIG
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