Six youth services working across Dublin were awarded Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland’s Rainbow Award on Wednesday, 30th January at a ceremony at The Clarence Hotel, Dublin 2.
The youth services were recognised for their work as part of the Rainbow Award initiative which is dedicated to creating LGBTQ+ inclusive youth services. The six organisations, which collectively work with over 1,100 young people include:
- FamiliBase, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10
- Brú Youth Services, Walkinstown, Dublin 12
- Bradóg Youth Services, Dublin 1
- Young Social Innovators, Glasnevin, Dublin 11
- Belong To, Dublin 2
- Belvedere Youth Club, Dublin 1
The event was hosted by newly announced RTÉ 2FM presenter Aisling Bonner and attended by a number of TDs and public sector representatives.
The Rainbow Award initiative was established by Belong To in 2023 to support and accredit LGBTQ+ safe and supportive youth services. Over the course of 12 to 18 months, youth services are supported in implementing evidence-based actions across a number of key areas, which research shows improve the wellbeing and safety of LGBTQ+ youth.
The initiative is supported by ETBI, City of Dublin ETB and the National Youth Council of Ireland.
Providing LGBTQ+ people with a space to feel safe and welcome
Speaking about the awards, Deputy CEO of Belong To Sinéad Keane (she/her) said: “There are LGBTQ+ young people in every part of Ireland, including Dublin. As a society, we owe these young people an adolescence that not only accepts their identities but celebrates the diversity of their experiences and lives. That is what the Rainbow Award is all about – providing LGBTQ+ young people with a space to feel safe and welcome. Last year, our Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland report showed that 84% of LGBTQ+ people indicated that having a connection with the LGBTQI+ community through groups is one of the most important positive factors for their mental health. This work can have a huge impact on the life and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ young people.
“It is great to have the opportunity to recognise the work of all the youth services who have been undertaking this work in Dublin and across the country. The teams at each have done amazing work to make their spaces inclusive for all young people – and we’re delighted to have been able to support them on that journey. The impact of their work is being felt by the people already in their services and will be felt by the many thousands that will come through their doors in the future.”
Also commenting was Joe Greene, Youth Worker at Belvedere Youth Club who said: This award is a reflection of our belief that every young person deserves a place where they feel seen, heard, and valued. At our youth club, inclusivity isn’t just a goal—it’s the heart of everything we do. Together with our young people, we’re creating a space where differences are celebrated, friendships flourish and everyone belongs.”
Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland is the national organisation supporting LGBTQ+ youth across the country. Applications are now open for youth services and organisations in Dublin and across Ireland which would like to work towards achieving the Rainbow Award in 2026. For more information, visit www.belongto.org.
Pic: Marc O’Sullivan
